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Historic Design Inquiry
If you own a boat that was built from historic design plans by Sparkman & Stephens, thank you for visiting our website! The design plans and technical information have been faithfully preserved over the many decades since the firm’s founding in 1929. We receive many inquiries regarding historic plans. We have complied a list of Frequently Asked Questions and have answered them below.
After reviewing the FAQs and answers below, and if your question is still not answered, please feel free to use the inquiry form or contact information at right.
FAQs:
I have a boat built to a Sparkman & Stephens design in need of restoration. Do the plans for my boat still exist?
Yes, in most cases, the plans are well preserved and available. However, we do not issue plans for personal refit purposes. We are happy to work with your boatbuilder, or recommend a boatbuilder to you. We review with you and your boatbuilder a scope of work for your project. Then, we prepare an estimate to support your project using our historic plans and oftentimes also providing ongoing design support.
Can I build a new boat based upon, or as an exact replica, to an historic Sparkman & Stephens design?
Yes! This would be treated as any typical design engagement. Please reach out to us directly and we can discuss our process with you in detail.
I am a home boatbuilder. Can I buy historic plans to refit or build a Sparkman & Stephens design?
No, we do not issue plans for home boatbuilding. We are happy to put you in touch with a boatbuilder after hearing more about your goals and intended project.
How do I know what plans are available?
We have an extensive catalog of our plans. To physically confirm what plans are available takes some time and manpower. Therefore, to start the physical documentation process in the archives requires a design engagement. More on fee structure below.
What is the cost of buying plans of my old design?
Sparkman & Stephens does not sell plan sets of old designs outright. We would love to work with you and your boatyard to support a refit project or provide design support, using the historic plans as an invaluable resource.
Can I buy a printed plan set for my boat to hang on my wall?
No, the plan sets are not available for direct purchase for personal art purposes.
What sort of fees can I expect to start the process of researching the design information for my boat?
To start the research and documentation process on any design, we must charge a fee to cover our time and expenses. The fee is $2,000USD. After our initial review, we provide a report to you outlining the plans and technical information that is available for your boat. The plans and data are not issued to you. After speaking with you and your boatbuilder in detail, we will gain an understanding of your project and goals. We can then prepare an estimate for design services using the historic design data and providing ongoing design support for your project.
Is there a formal agreement for use of Sparkman & Stephens plans?
Yes, in every case where Sparkman & Stephens plans are used, there will be a formal licensing or usage agreement outlining all parties’ rights and obligations.
I am writing a book, and want information about Sparkman & Stephens and/or a specific design. Can you help?
Yes, please reach out. These are handled on a case-by-case basis, and we typically come to a commercial agreement with the author or publisher.
I already have the Sparkman & Stephens plans. Can I build a boat or distribute the plans?
No, we would very likely view any such activity as contrary to the terms of any licensing agreement we had with the original client and/or an infringement of Sparkman & Stephens intellectual property. Please contact us to discuss the circumstances under which you came into possession of the Sparkman & Stephens plans. We can then explore potential options on how to proceed.
I have a specific question about a construction detail or small part on my historic boat. Can you help?
Based on our experience, most of these questions would be better answered by the original boatbuilder. Sadly, many of the boatbuilders Sparkman & Stephens has worked with over the years are no longer in business. Many of those detailed construction records are likely gone forever. But, on a positive note, for general construction details, structure, layouts, sail plans, powering, and specifications, we likely still have that information. But, that information is on paper and archived. It has to be researched and found. So, those inquiries are handled as historic research and design engagements with the fee and process outlined in previous FAQs.
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