Fishing Craft Technology

Unit 1 - History and development of fishing craft

1.4.1. Fishing boats of Gujarat
There is marked difference in the geographical and physical features of northern and southern regions of Gujarat. Whereas the northern region is arid and stony, the southern region is distinguished by sandy bottom.
The following types of boat with their broad features gives along side are found in Gujarat.

1) Haler machwa:

• Length varies from 8-10 m
• Broad beam and square stern
• Open boat except for short decking in the fore and aft.
• Carvel planking with unusually large and heavy frames
• Tall mast carries on large lateen sail of Arab pattern
• It is used for gillnet fishing.

2) Porbandar machwa

• Length varies from 6-8 m
• Square stern and raked stem
• Used for gill net fishing

3) Cambay machwa

• Raked stem
• Undecked except for short length at stern
• Truncated stern with a slight rake

4) Navalaki hodi

• Length 5-6 m, breadth 1-1.5 m and draft of 90-105 cm
• Square stern and overhang bow
• Decked only fore and aft
• Single mast carries lateen soil

5) Malia boat

• Flat bottom boat which measure about 6-7 m in length, breadth 1.5 m with 65cm draft.
• Ends are pointed and there is small rudder
• Carvel planking
• Mast carries a lateen sail
• Small decking fore and aft
• Used in tidal waters for prawn fishery

6) Dugout canoe

• Double – ended round bottom boat
• Length varies from 5-9 m, breadth 60-90 cm and depth 60-68 cm
• Small sail raised on a wooden mast
• Used for gill netting

7) Ludhia

• The boat measures 9-10 m in length and 1.5 to 2 m breadth
• Short decking at the fore and aft
• Slightly racked stem and stern
• Two masts with small lateen sails
• Carved planking and has strong keel and heavy frames

8) Madhwad type wahan

• Length 10-13 m and breadth 2-3 m
• Raked stem and square stern
• Decked at the fore and aft
• Large heavy rudder
• Mast with lateen soil
• Used for operation of gill nets and dol nets