Vernacular boats and boatbuilding in Greece
Abstract
This work presents a study of the vernacular boats of
modern Greece. A new typology of boats is offered, and
an account is given of tools and boatyard practice,
design and construction techniques. Evidence for these
subjects is drawn from field surveys, museum collections,
iconographic studies, and interviews with old
boatbuilders. Although most of the information presented
comes from the first half of the 20th century, background
information from the 18th and 19th centuries is also
covered. This longer historical perspective is
particularly important in making comparisons between 20th
century practices and the boatbuilding techniques of the
past.
There is evidence for the existence of two main periods
of technical change in the industry, namely, the late
18th century, when new methods such as lofting were
introduced, and the late 19th century, when changes in
the wider shipbuilding industry initiated a process of
decline in vernacular boatbuilding. At the same time
however, a number of older techniques, for example
certain moulding methods, survived at least into the
first part of the 20th century.
This work offers new insights into the design methods
involved in the control of hull-form during "skeletonfirst"
boatbuilding from the last two hundred years. It
also offers an analysis of the structural integrity and
strength of vernacular boats and shows how the structure
of boats has evolved across time to incorporate new
techniques and changes in boat function.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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