I built this toy pirate ship out of scrap wood and a few things I picked up at a craft store. I had some scrap 2×6’s that were about 3 feet in length. The cannons are candle cups that I picked up at Hobby Lobby and spray painted black.
The main masts are 3/4 inch dowels with 1/4 inch dowels through the middle for the sails.
I made crows nests out of 1×4’s cut into squares, then drilled a hole through the center.
I would like to thank you for your wonderful website by trying to give something back. This idea came to me when my 5 year old son was playing with scrap wood (it’s actually kind of his idea). This is a simple plan and it actually took me a longer time to write the plan than to build
scrap wood (2×6’s)
3/4″ dowel rod at 48″ (masts)
2- 1/4″ dowel rods (to hold the sails)
1/2 yard canvas (sails)
small wooden candle cups (cannons)
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Start with the front of the ship. Set your circular saw at ~20-25 degree angle and cut out the point. Do this to three boards.
Now set your circular saw at ~10 degree angle and cut the back end of the middle piece at the desired length (mine is about 2.5 feet). Then set it on top of the bottom piece and mark where to cut that piece. Then cut the top two pieces at the same angle in the back and ~15 degrees in the front side of those pieces.
Keeping the ~15 degree angle cut the third front piece at desired length (mine is about 8”). Now nail it (and glue it) all together making sure not to nail it where you will be drilling holes for the masts.
Drill holes using a 3/4” bit for masts. (My masts are 3/4” dowel rods at 18” long) You’ll also want to drill 1/4” holes in the masts a couple inches from the top for the dowels that hold the sails. For simple a simple crows nest you can cut a 1×4 into a little square and drill a 3/4” hole in it, then just slide it on top of the sails. Then I attached the candle cup cannons and had a great toy for my little buccaneer.
