What is it? Outrigger Canoe Definition + Types

definition of outrigger canoe

What is it? Outrigger Canoe Definition + Types

The description of a watercraft featuring one or more lateral support floats, known as outriggers, affixed to the main hull characterizes a specific type of boat. These stabilizing extensions are connected to the primary hull, enhancing stability and preventing capsizing. A practical illustration is a narrow-hulled vessel with a smaller float attached to one or both sides by spars, providing increased resistance to rolling.

Such watercraft hold significant cultural and practical importance in various maritime regions, particularly in the Pacific Islands and parts of Asia. Their design allows for navigation in open ocean waters, facilitating fishing, transportation, and exploration. Historically, these vessels were essential for trade routes and inter-island communication, contributing significantly to the cultural exchange and migration patterns across vast bodies of water.

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