If the drawings and materials are ready and decisions about tool use, possible trade-offs, and other basic decisions that are of fundamental importance to the building are taken, it is 'only' the fun that remains, namely: building of the boat itself.
A good preparation for the construction of the Gislinge Boat includes getting an overview of the task at hand. How long does it take to build the boat? What does it cost? How much space do I need? But the questions are different depending on the assumptions and approach one chooses.
On this page we try to answer the questions that may arise regarding the construction of the boat. Join the debate, or ask questions you want answered by writing a comment below.
Which and how many materials should be used?
Keel: Oak, 1 piece. 5.5m x 0.3m x 0.2m
Event: Oak, 2 pcs. 2.0 x 0.4m x 0.25m
Table planks: Oak, 1 pc. 0,95m in breast diameter, 6m long good quality oak (white oak)
Frames: Oak, 6 pcs. floor timber 1,25m x 0.1m with shape (shape about 0,35m)
Beams: 2 pcs. (possibly with a grown knee) 1,3m x 0,15 m x 0.1m
Knees: 2-4 pcs. 0,3m x 0.15 shape around 70-90 degrees
Rudder frame: 1 piece. 0,6m x 0,5m x 0,2m
Bulkhead: 1 piece. 0,6m 0,5m x 0.1m
Stem knee: Oak, 2 pcs. Cross Timbers 0.5 x 0,2m x 0,30m
Row lock: Oak, 6 pcs. 1.0mx 0.1 m x 0.1 m with a 90 degrees branch. In all 0,15 m
Mast: Pine, 1 pc. 4.0 m diameter: 0,8m
Oar: Pine, 6 pcs. 3.5 m 0.1 m x 0,13m
Sail: Flax or wool, 9.5 sqm.
What species of wood was the Gislinge Boat originally built from?
The boat from Gislinge was mainly built from oak. That means the stems, keel, planks, frames and row locks were of oak. The oars and the mast were not found, but were probably made from pine.
From Argentina, we have the following questions:
My intention is to make part of recreationist in educational way. I would like to introduce town people in nordic costumes. I´m handcraft maker, I don´t have viking roots but I´m very interested in your culture. Near my town there is a lake where I would like to untie the boat. the wood I ususally work is cypress, is it possible to make it in cypress? Oak is too difficult to find here. Thank you very much!!!
Answer: I have never built boats of cypress, but once made a mast of cypress. Cypress, thuja and cedar are related species and have been used for houses and boats, so I think cypress will do as well. Mostly hardwood is used for stems and keel. Whether it is oak or other hardwood doesn’t matter.
In other words, you can build boats with many different types of wood. As long as it has a relatively good durability or it is possible to dry the boat out after the sailing trips (pull it on shore).
How do you make a wooden nail, and how is it used?
Take a look at the illustration to the right.
