Longboat facts for kids
A longboat was a very important open boat carried on board large sailing ships during the age of sail. Think of it as a ship's trusty helper! Originally, these boats were called 'shallops,' but their name changed to longboat in the 18th century. Every big ship needed several smaller boats for different jobs, and the longboat was often the most important one.
Contents
What Was a Longboat?
A longboat was a strong, open boat. This means it didn't have a deck covering the top. It was designed to be rowed by many people, sometimes up to eight or ten crew members. The boat had special benches for rowing, often set up so two people could share one oar.
Built for Tough Seas
Longboats were built to handle rough water. This was very important because they often had to travel between a big ship and the shore, even when the sea was choppy. They could also be fitted with sails to help them move faster when the wind was right.
What Were Longboats Used For?
Longboats had many vital jobs on a sailing ship. They were essential for the daily life and operations of the vessel.
Moving People and Supplies
One of the main uses for a longboat was carrying people and supplies. When a large ship was anchored far from shore, the longboat would be used to ferry sailors, officers, and important passengers to land. It also brought fresh water, food, and other necessary items from the shore back to the ship.
A Powerful Pulling Boat
Longboats were also known as "pulling boats." This means they were designed to be rowed with great power. Sometimes, if a large sailing ship needed a little extra help moving in calm waters, or turning in a tight spot, the longboat crews would row hard to pull the ship along. This was like a human-powered tugboat!
Other Important Tasks
Longboats were also used for exploring new coastlines, carrying messages between ships, or even for rescuing sailors if someone fell overboard. They were truly the workhorses of the ship's smaller boats, always ready for action.
