Term frequently describes a very narrow single-outrigger canoe of western and southern Sri Lanka that engages in several types of fishing, going as far as 40km from shore. Dugout base to which a vertical or tumble home washstrake, ca. 38cm deep, is sewn to each side; replaced by fiberglass hulls. Washstrake extends beyond the dugout and continues the raking line of the ends for ca. 61cm; closed at the ends; bow slightly fuller than the stern; gunwales beaded with shells. Since the opening at the top is only 27-38cm wide, the paddlers may sit on a bamboo platform outboard with just one leg inside the boat. Strengthened by stout battens toward the ends and by rods that serve as thwarts and as tacks for the sail. Two down-curving, flexible booms connect directly with the cigar-shaped float, which is about half the length of the boat; one boom set toward the bow, the other roughly amidships and on the outer end, a raised piece serves as a foothold for 1-2 men who may ride the boom as ballast. Also has 2-3 leeboards. Waterproofed with a black gum; protective coating of coconut oil applied weekly. Steered by foot with a heavy oar that may pass through a hole in the gunwale. Sets a square sail to a single mast stepped amidships or a rectangular sail supported at the top corners by 2 light masts; one forward of the sail, the other aft; one mast fitted into a thick ring of coir while the other steps into a wooden shoe. The outrigger remains on the same side and the V-mast is twisted around, the backstay shifted, and the sail moved to the other side of the mast when sailing in the opposite direction. Sails usually tanned. Rowed when wind fails. Crew of 4-8. Reported lengths 4.6-5.9m
Benin 1999;135f;SG?
Source : A Dictionary of the world’s Watercraft from Aak to Zumbra.