Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 11:31:32 -0800 (PST)
Message-Id: <199712191931.LAA00318@cronus.rockisland.com>
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
From: Skip Snaith<kyak@rockisland.com>
Subject: Umiaks, family boat
Robbie Price wrote:
>Umiaks are traditionllay flat bottomed aren't they. Wish buying
>materials was as easy as it is in the USA then I'd try no problems (but
>not flat bottom where I'd be using it most)
Umiaks are the traditional open boat/workhorses of the arctic. They
are quite light, and resilient due to flexible skin construction. Their load
carrying abilities are legendary. The pre-contact form was flat bottomed,
they looked very much like a banks dory. About 70 years ago, with
inspiration from New Bedford Whaleboats (arctic whaling and all that, it's a
long story) King Islanders, and people from St Lawrence and the Diomede
islands started building a bent-rib, round-bottomed version. These boats had
a large gaff rig, and were often powered by the newly introduced outboard
motor, although the traditional paddles were still used for stealth/hunting.
These boats also had an external keel.
I have been experimenting recently with a hybrid form that combines
features of both types. It uses the chines and floors of the flat bottomed
type to build a very narrow flat bottom ( about 18-20 inches depending on
the boat...) with bent ribs above it. The effect is very much like a
Swampscott Dory, a New England fishing boat with a very high reputation for
seakindliness and handiness.
It is a simple matter to make this narrow "flat" bottom into a vee
bottom (in the same way as the Aleut baidarka), which has certain advantages
if you like. In fact, the hybrid form is extremely adaptable and can be
worked up to fit a wide variety of needs and circumstances. The chine/floor
structure is an interesting design tool that gives the builder quite a bit
of control over hull shape, what you do with it is up to you... I have one
that is 12' 8" and is a very sweet boat for one to 3 adults, and mountains
of gear.
>maybe I might buy it if you could tell me some details....
The full title is: Umiak, An Illustrated Guide. ISBN 0-9658725-9-9.
Walrose & Hyde, PO Box 992, Eastsound WA. 98245. Price is $24.95(US) plus
shipping. It's available at bookstores, Amazon.com or you can order direct
from us.
The book is heavily illustrated, only a few pages are text only,
with a combination of archival photos and beautiful pencil sketches. It
covers the history and culture of the Umiak in broad outline, and
concentrates on the "how-to" and building aspects. Drawings and information
for two boats, flat and bent rib type are included in the book.
You can contact me: kyak@rockisland.com or look at the umiak section
of my website http://www.rockisland.com/~kyak
Skip