BUILD A CARDBOARD PIRATE SHIP

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Make two main body sections and planks, and a pair of each kind of sail (including the mainmast/mainsail unit). Then trim out one of each of the remaining components. Now glue the matching sail pieces, and the two planks, back to back . . . so that they're double-thick and therefore double-strong. (Do NOT fasten the body sections together.)

Next, cut out a pair of 1/4"-wide, 1"-long strips of cardboard, and affix one to each end of what will be the bottom side of the plank (the raised tips will serve as stops to keep the board from sliding all the way into or out of the ship). While the adhesive dries, make a one-inch incision in the mainmast as shown . . . insert the little saddlelike support piece into the opening, with the tabs facing down . . . and glue it in place.

As you can see from the diagrams, slots must also be cut in several other parts of the ship — to accommodate sails and sail supports — and a 1/2"-deep by 1"-wide notch must be carved out of the port side of the hull to receive the plank. (All of these jobs require a sharp knife, and therefore should likely be considered the skipper's duty.)

ASSEMBLY

At this point you're ready to begin putting your cardboard craft together. Before you start taping and gluing, though, consider that you'll want to remove the masking material once the adhesive has dried sufficiently to hold the pieces fast . . . so it's best to avoid gluing over the paper tape. And, since you'll be applying paste mostly to the inside surfaces of the ship, try to place the tape on the outside whenever possible.

Remember, too, that you may very well have to trim the components somewhat to make them all fit properly. Don't be afraid to do some custom tailoring . . . but do be careful not to get carried away with the operation, or you'll change the finished shape of the schooner.

Now, tape the bottom section to the main body pieces . . . and then fit the front and back strips in place (you'll have to bend the aft component somewhat, as shown by the dotted lines on the pattern). When all is positioned correctly, you'll have what is essentially a narrow boat without a deck or sails . . . but don't glue the parts together just yet!

Next, try fitting the main deck into the hull. At first the floor will likely seem much too large, but by carefully stretching and bending the sides of the boat, you should be able to convince the assembly to go together. If you must trim the deck to make it compatible with the hull, though, try shortening — rather than narrowing — the piece first, because the width of the deck establishes the craft's pleasingly rounded "shipshape" contour.

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