"دليل الخليج. مجلد I. القسم التاريخي. الجزء II. ج. ج. لوريمر. ١٩١٥" [‎٢‎٣‎١‎٩] (١٢٦٢/٨٣٦)

2319
ABPENBIX F
SAILING CRAFT OF THE PERSIAN GULF,*
by
C ommander A. R owand^
There are about fourteen types o£ native craft which belong to the
Persian Gulf proper. These only differ materially in point of size^ rig ;
shape of stern ; and length of(keel in proportion to total length ; other
slight differences are maintained in connection with the formation of
stem and stern-post heads, and in the decorative art displayed in the
carving on them. In some cases there is no apparent difference to the
casual observer, and the whole show a similarity in general features,
whilst the same principle of construction applies to nearly all. As a
general rule these vessels are remarkable for the beauty of their lines,
and it is probable that many of our modern yachts can hardly show
more graceful curvature, though of course greatly excelling in finish.
They sail well and are weatherly craft.
The following is a general description of the construction of the
larger, or sea-going vessels, which practically applies to all. The hull
are constructed of roughly adzed planks of teak and jungle-wood, which
are nail-and trenail-fastened to the ribs in a very rude and somewhat
unsafe manner, notwithstanding which many of them achieve extraordi
nary longevity. They are usually decked, with suitable hatchways, etc.,
and are often fitted with high poops, many being prepared by internal
equipment for defence. Those of the Arab Coast usually carry one or
two guns, now used for saluting only : war vessels are not now found in
the Gulf. Some are sheathed on I" plank bottoms with V 7 board, and
a preparation of cocoanut oil and damar (or country resin) is put in be
tween, which causes the vessel to be very dry and durable, and prevents
the teredo worm from attacking the bottom. The outside of the sheath
ing board is coated with a mixture of grease and whitewash, boiled
together, to prevent fouling ; this latter coat is renewed about twice a
year. The topsides, outside, are coated with two applications of sharks
oil every year; and the whole of the interior is given one coat during a
similar period : this prevents the timbers from splitting and warping.
As a rule they have considerable beam in proportion to their length, and
possees great sheer, with a sharp-rising floor. Many are fitted with ports
in stern and poop ; some have square and others pointed sterns. The
seams of the planking are caulked with raw cotton. They are fitted with
two masts raking forward, and inclined at an angle of abou t 15° to the
* This Appendix (exceot the Notes and Annexures Nos. 2 and 3} was very kindly
written for the present Gazetteer by Commander A. Eowand, R.a.M., who made a
special study of the subject. Annexnre No. 2 was compiled from information
afforded, through Captain S. G. Knox, Political Agent, by Ha]! Hamud-bm-Badar
of Bahrain, the principal boat builder at Kuwait, in 1905. The particulars contained
in Annexur© Eo. 3 were supplied by Mr. Im'am-al-Haqq of the Bahrain Political
Agency. The spelling of native names in this Appendix has been adapted by the editor
to the system used throughout the Gazetteer.