Wow...I have searched everywhere....can't find the answer. Or do I have to build all my new ships from scratch?

Yes, you can buy ships. In the europe screen click on the $ button on the top. At the end of the list after the colonists are the available ships you can purchase.

Or u can build it from scratch. U can wait till the hammer fills up or u can hurry it. It may cost less but it would cost u weapon and tools.

Doh! I never realized you could hurry production in cities!