Boat Model, Surfboat

Description:

This model represents a New England surfboat, a small seaworthy vessel from the early 1870s. This type of boat was commonly used by the Lighthouse Board and the Life Saving Service. Since surfboats were used for life saving and rescue missions, they were often launched from the beach into heavy surf and severe waves. Crews numbered from 3-5 men. Surfboats did not utilize sails, instead propulsion came from oars. The boat was steered with a tiller. The original boat was 22 feet long and 6 feet wide. This model was built in 1875 and was given to the Smithsonian by Cragin & Sheldon, boat builders in Boston, Massachusetts.

Date Made: 1875

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Work and Industry: Maritime, Transportation, Ship Models

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Cragin & Sheldon, Boston, Massachusetts

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: TR.24999Catalog Number: 24999Accession Number: 4571

Object Name: new england surf boat, rigged model

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-e2d5-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1375143

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