Ranger Jr. Scale Model
In 2022, a new but familiar looking boat sailed into the museum to take its place among the Dwight Brooks models on the main floor; and it is a beauty, a 1:10 scale model of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s flagship Ranger. Whereas the classic wooden yacht Ranger is 41 feet or 492 inches in length, the model Ranger is 49.2 inches long and was built by museum volunteer John Hill in about 1000 hours over 16 months.
Ranger Jr., as the model has been nicknamed, has a standard 12-volt motor powered by an 8-pound battery and controlled by a radio-controlled electronic speed control, all typical of larger model boats. She handles like a heavy, single screw inboard yacht and has no steerage in reverse, which means the stern moves first. John believes “she handles a lot like Ranger.”
Although he purchased the drive line, radio, horns, running lights, turnbuckles, and the American flag, John fabricated everything else by hand to depict Ranger as accurately as possible. The keel, stern, frames and deck on the model are plywood, planked with cedar, as is the full-size yacht. The cockpit decking and hull protectors at the anchors are teak, just as on Ranger. Further, John fabricated all of the model’s fittings from brass sheet, bar, and rod stock, and the handrails are stainless steel. Ranger itself is a mix of brass, bronze and stainless steel.
A couple of differences are that the brightwork on the model is cherry because it is more attractive and easier to work at scale than the white oak which was used on Ranger; and the model is coated with fiberglass and epoxy inside and out, whereas Ranger is ferro-cemented.
Learn About Our Other Museum Exhibits
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has several other fascinating exhibits, and there's something fun for everyone in the family. Come learn about 13,000 years of human history in the Santa Barbara Channel, including the Chumash Indians, deep sea divers, shipwrecks, commercial fishing, and so much more. We also have several contemporary exhibits about the evolution of surfing, oil spills, whales, and marine life. There are several fun and interactive exhibits and activities for kids too.