Fishing Craft Technology

Unit 1 - History and development of fishing craft

1.4.7. Fishing boats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Influence of Australian design is seen in the fishing craft of these Islands. Dugout and out rigger canoes are common. However, the shape of dugouts is different and the outrigger canoes have more than two out riggers attached in a different manner. These are described below.

1) Dugout

• Length varies from 2.75 m – 10.5 m
• The bow and stern are prolonged horizontally to form an overhang shelf platform which gives
• footing for the harpooners on look out for fish.
• Propulsion is by means of oars, steering with paddle
• Holes are made in the gunwale on each side and a piece of wood is thrust through them as a sort of thwart. This is to provide a means of fastening the end of harpoon line.

2) Out rigger canoe

• It is provided with multiple booms varying from 3-12 m. These booms are slender poles secured at their inner ends by being passed through the holes on the sides of dugout close to the edge. This is similar to the design found in Australia.
• Floats are connected to the booms by means of three short stanchions.

3) Flat bottom

• It measures 6.5 m Over All Length
• There is no keel and the bottom is shaped into curve
• Carvel planking painted with coal tar
• Small fore and aft deck
• Not suitable for operation during monsoon.

4) Round bottom

• Length ranges from 4.5 – 7.5 m
• Keel is present and the bottom is shaped round
• Carvel planking
• Found suitable for operation even during monsoon.

The out rigger canoe used in Nicobar Islands is different from that of Andaman’s described above. These are better built and more elegant with not more than two booms. They are fitted with 3-4 vertical bamboo masts each carrying a lateen sail.