The DOHNI or MAS DHONI is used as fishing and trading boat in the Maldives Islands and till today still in use.
Rounded stem and a raked sternpost.
Tiller, set over tall rudder head, may be straight or strongly S curved.
The stern is low with a wide platform were the helmsman stands, the platform extends beyond the gunwales, not visible on the stamp of 1991.
Made of coconut planks, carvel built, initially sewn, now tree nailed, the frames are inserted later.
She has a small foredeck and a partial deck in the amidships.
One pole mast bowed forward by a rope stay that is lashed to an arched beam ca 61 cm from the stem,
Originally carried a tall square sail but now mainly a lateen sail as seen on the stamp of 1991.
Tall crutch at forward end of platform supports lowered yard.
When wind fails to fill the sail she can be rowed by a broad bladed oar.
Mostly nowadays motorized by an inboard engine.
Dim. 5 to 15 metres. e.g. 7.3 x 2.44m.
Crew from 4 to 6 men.
Maldives 1978 1r25 sg751, scott?. 1985 2r70 sg 1112, scott?. 1991 3.50 sg1490, scott1516.
Source: Aak to Zumbra, a dictionary of the World’s watercraft.