The Vikings created a boat called the long boat.
How to build a longboat Construction time - small “Strider” (20m long) takes 2-3months “Dragon” (25m long) takes 5-6 months “Serpent” (30m long) takes 8-9 months 1. Choose a spot near the sea. 2. Choose your trees . . . look at the way they grow so you pick the ones that make the shapes you need. 3. Laying the keel - pick a straight oak for the keel, the centre part of the ship. 4. The Strakes – cut a few more pine tree planks – split the trunks into planks by banging wedges into them. These are used for the sides and are shaped especially to suit their place in the ship. 5. Ribs and crossbeams – drill holes in the planks for nails, nail the planks so that they overlap. Build the “ribs” at right angles to the keel/centre part. These are added for strength. 6. Oars and rudder – oar holes are cut in the sides, the mast-step is put in place and the rudder attached to the stern. 7. Sails and figureheads Sails are waterproofed with animal fat and then a really scary figurehead is carved into the front of your boat. Ropes are made from cow and sheep hair, dipped in tar, and then pushed into the spaces in the frame so that the boat is watertight. 8. Choose a crew Strider 20 crew members; Dragon 30 crew members; Serpent 50 crew members. 9. Choose a route 10. Cast the Runes – consult the Gods to determine voyage fortunes. 11. Set sail These instructions were created by combining information from Viking Quest (interactive game on BBC History website and Horrible Histories “Vicious Vikings”) |