VENETIAN CARGO VESSEL USCIERE

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aukepalmhof
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VENETIAN CARGO VESSEL USCIERE

Post by aukepalmhof » Sun May 25, 2014 8:06 pm

Mostly known in Northern Europe as HUISSIER it is the general term in medieval French for a vessel special designed primarily to transport horses. Venetian usciere built for Louis IX in 1268 were 25.76m long, had a beam of 6.1m. and had two decks and two masts.
She were often chartered by the Crusaders for the transport of troops, horses and equipment and stores.
Usually referred to in association with naval operations but some carried passengers with their horses and carriages, or might transport cattle, sheep and sometimes lumber. Existed to the end of the Middle Ages. The basic huissier was the primary type vessel in use at the time. Often modified for special purposes. In order to maneuver the vessel stern-first to the beach, oars were preferable and a stern port and ramp enabled the horses, sometimes with the cavalrymen mounted to exit directly to the shore. The port was blocked and sealed during the voyage. Later sailing vessels offloaded directly onto a wharf from the side and were used for more peaceful purposes.
Generally two decks the horse stalls on one deck and the provision, wheeled vehicles, siege equipment and supplies on the other deck. In later years the horses were supported by slings. In the late 13tyh century the vessels had a poop and forecastle. The stern castle was mostly richly decorated.
The sailing vessel had one or two masts setting lateen sails or a square foresail. She was steered by two steering oars
Carried ca. 40 horses, but reported to carry as many as 100.

From: Aak to Zumbra a Dictionary of the World’s Watercraft. http://sailhistory.com/content/
Kampuchea (Laos) 1986 2r sg739, scott?
Cambodia 1993 150R sg 1307, Scott 1290.
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