TIMBER TONKONG: Large open Chinese owned vessels of European construction that transport logs from ports in Peninsular Malaysia and northern Sumatra to Singapore.
Dates from the mid-19th century; a few still operate today.
Sharp high bow with a raking stem; vertical sternpost, straight keel; little deadrise; sharp buttocks; wide transom; wide transom stern. Sheer sharp at the bow.
Washboard fitted the length of the hold when loaded.
Built with keel and keelson; natural frames, each in 3 pieces. Several external and international wales provide strength.
Open waist from forecastle to poop. Gallery extends abaft the transom for ca. 3 m. Huge rudder often fenestrated, worked with a long tiller.
Long heavy, steeved-up bowsprit with a lattice platform below.
Ketch rigged; standing gaffs; the mainsail loose-footed; 2 – 3 headsails; sails tanned; brailed when stowed.
Crew of 6 -7.
Reported lengths 26-30m, widths 8 – 10m, depths 3.4 – 4.6m.
Singapore 1955 10c sg44, scott?
Source: Aak to Zumbra a Dictionary of the World’s Watercraft.