A boat that uses poles and lines for tuna fishing for the preparation of dried tuna (mas) in the Lakshadweep (Laccadive) Islands and Minicoy off the mainland coast. Carvel-planked of coconut or local laurel, fastened with copper nails. Sharp bow; high, recurved stem; stern low and full. The larger boats have a platform aft on which the crew and helmsman stand; platform rounded on the sides and extends out beyond the hull. A mast crutch, ca. 1.25-1.5m tall, is set into the platform; also used to support the helmsman. Nine compartments, 4 of which have holes and serve as wet wells for the bait. Rudder has a reverse "S" shape; short, S-shaped tiller. Those with one mast set a tall, narrow, square sail of matting for¬ward of the mast and a boomless gaff sail aft. On the 2-masted boats, the after mast is stepped amidships and the foremast is about midway between the after mast and the bow; after mast is shorter. Also rowed using 7-9 oars per side; shaft ca. 3.5-4m long, blade ca. 30cm long. Reported lengths 8-12.5m; e.g., length 12.5m, beam 3m; shallow draft.
Маldive Islands 1978; 1l; sg746
Source : A Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra.