Donation of the
Model Ship Santa Maria
by Dan J. Hoback
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OVERVIEW OF DAN J. HOBACK’S
ARTISTIC CAREER
• Mr. Hoback blended historical research with artistic
freedom to create this meaningful and detailed
interpretation of the Santa Maria Ship.
• His artwork has centered around maritime subjects,
capturing the essence of seafaring and naval history.
• His craftsmanship in model making highlights his
dedication to detail and authenticity.
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RESEARCH AND REFERENCE
Project Inception
• The Santa Maria replica project began on November 1, 2013, using detailed blueprints from C. Mamoli, SAS, a company in Milan, Italy, known for high-quality model kits.
Construction Methodology
• Instead of the kit’s “plank on bulkhead” style provided by C. Mamoli, SAS, he chose a “plank on frame” technique to better reflect historical shipbuilding practices used during the era of the original Santa Maria.
Commitment to Authenticity
• He used only coastal live oak—also known as “red oak”—native to the Santa Maria region of California, which closely matches the cork oak likely used in the Galicia region of Spain where the original Santa Maria was built.
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BLUEPRINTS OF THE SANTA
MARIA FROM MILAN, ITALY
FUN FACT – PLANKS
He used an electric turkey cooker to boil planking
pieces so they could be bent and then dried in a
make-shift jig that he designed, using nails driven
into a plywood worktable forcing a curve that
matched the contour of hull.
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DESIGN DECISIONS
Rigging
Rigging styles chosen reflect historical accuracy and era-specific maritime features.
Ornamentation
Ornamental elements were chosen carefully to evoke the aesthetic of the time while ensuring authenticity.
Hull Color
Hull colors were selected to reflect traditional maritime palettes, enhancing the period feel of the design.
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The eyebolts were fashioned by first threading a wire,
heating the threaded wire, flattening one end, and then drilling it to form the eye. A total of 19 eyebolts were installed on the various decks. Each eyebolt includes a ring fashioned from the wire.
FUN FACT - EYEBOLTS
MATERIALS AND
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Quality Materials
Carefully selected woods, fabrics, and metal accents
were used for durability and authentic texture.
Expert Craftsmanship
• Each sail was cut and hemmed by Mr. Hoback.
• The sail renderings were made by his sister and
local artist in Santa Maria, Marilyn Hoback Cronk.
• The foresail and mainsail bear designs to the late
15th century Spanish seamen.
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FINISHING TOUCHES AND
ARTISTIC ENHANCEMENTS
Cannon
A copper tubing collar was forged around a 16d nail
for the mandrel. It was torched to achieve the
bronze patina and varnished to preserve the finish.
The ship’s bell was also made using the copper
tubing.
Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms and Shields were made using a
decoupage treatment.
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HANDCRAFTED CREW MEMBERS:
DEPICTING "SUNRISE ON THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 12, 1492"
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EDUCATIONAL AND
INSPIRATIONAL VALUE
Educational Tool
Mr. Hoback hopes to inspire interest in maritime history and craftsmanship and explore model-making while appreciating historical maritime achievements and combining historical accuracy with imaginative creativity in their maritime models.
Inspiration for Enthusiasts
He wants to inspire new generations of modelers to combine historical accuracy with imaginative creativity in their maritime models.
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QUESTIONS BY THE
CITY COUNCIL
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