The type of canoe is given on the Philippine stamp as CARACAO, but From Aak to Zumbra did not give a entry under this name, searching by Google or other search engines drew a blank. Also my other sources did not have this name, I think the name must be CARACOA a vessel widely used in the south of the Philippines.
The CARACOA also know as KORAKORA was used in the Sula Sea area of the southern Philippines used mostly as war canoe by the local potentates, widely used in pillaging and slaving foray.
Early reports describe it as a double outrigger craft propelled by paddles and supplemented by sail.
The type was adopted by western colonists for local surveillance duties.
Later broader vessels were built, and the outriggers were often abandoned.
Both types became notorious pirate craft. Details vary widely, but the classic CARACOA or KORAKORA is portrayed as a narrow high-ended, low sided plank built vessel. The planks pegged edge-to-edge; frames and thwarts were lashed to residual lugs on the planks.
Double-ended flat floors; keel curved smoothly into the tail stem and sternpost.
Vessels without outrigger had a platform out each side for the oarsmen and paddlers.
On the largest, a deck was erected over the hull for the warriors. On some, a thatched cabin covered much of the hull.
Steered with a paddle or rudder on each quarter. One or 2 oblong lug-type sails were hung from tripod masts; yard at top and bottom.
Carried 40 – 70 paddlers and 25 warriors. Reported lengths 10 – 40 meter, beam 3 – 4 meter.
1780 Is given that she was 27m long, 8m wide with outriggers, 2,5m hold depth; shallow draft.
Philippines 1984 60s sg1850, scott?
Copied from Aak to Zumbra, A Dictionary of the World’s Watercraft.