Keelboat.
Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 10:32 pm
KEELBOAT. American craft coming into use time of American Revolution Length 40-80'. Beam 7-10'. Burden 15-20tn. Shallow keel sharp ended fore/aft. Middle of boat could be left open, but usually covered wholly or in part by cabin or cargo box, inside clearance about 6'. Around gunwales ran cleated footway 12-18" wide where crew walked when poling boat. At bow were seats for 4-12 rowers. Sometimes assisted by square sail which was useless except in broad waters. Many Keelboats carried no sail. Steering by long oar pivoted at stern extending 10-12' beyond the boat. Steersman, usually Captain stood upon raised platform - U.S.A. 1954. 3c. SG1065 (SB Feb 1961. Mar 1971. WP. T Broadley)