Hasholme Logboat - "Parent Log" of The Boat's Hull

"Parent Log" of The Boat's Hull

The hull of Hasholme Logboat was made of an oak (Quercus sp.). After all the measurements of the hull were taken, it was estimated that the parent log (oak log the boat was made of) had to be approximately 14 m (46 ft) long with at least 5.4 m (18 ft) circumference. Thus the theoretical weight of this log must have been around 28.5 tons but because of the presence of “heart rot” (natural process of rotting of the interior of the log) these estimates are exaggerated. Based on the size of the oak and other dendro measurements, it was also suggested that this kind of tree was between 810 and 880 years old on felling. Oaks of such advanced age and size must have developed a rot known as “brittle heart,” which originates at the bottom and spreads upward. In the case of Hasholme, this rot spread almost to the very top of the trunk. This meant that even though the hollowing was much easier, the openings on both ends had to be closed and watertight. It was not an accident to select a tree with an extensive rot along its entire length and thus save tremendous amount of time.

Read more about this topic:  Hasholme Logboat

Famous quotes containing the words parent, log and/or boat:

    The colicky baby who becomes calm, the quiet infant who throws temper tantrums at two, the wild child at four who becomes serious and studious at six all seem to surprise their parents. It is difficult to let go of one’s image of a child, say goodbye to the child a parent knows, and get accustomed to this slightly new child inhabiting the known child’s body.
    Ellen Galinsky (20th century)

    This state is full of these log cabin Abe Lincolns with price tags on ‘em. The louder he yells, the higher his price.
    Robert Rossen (1908–1966)

    The utmost familiarity with dead streams, or with the ocean, would not prepare a man for this peculiar navigation; and the most skillful boatman anywhere else would here be obliged to take out his boat and carry round a hundred times, still with great risk, as well as delay, where the practiced batteau-man poles up with comparative ease and safety.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)