Viking ships varied from other contemporary ships, being generally more seaworthy and lighter. This was achieved through use of clinker (lapstrake) construction of the hull. The planks on Viking vessels were riven (split) from large, old-growth trees - especially oak - as a riven plank is stronger than the sawn plank found in later craft. A single strake (plank) could be as thin as one inch (2.5 cm), resulting in a strong yet supple hull.Lapstrake hull schematic Working up from a stout oaken keel and ribs, shipwrights fastened strakes to the keel and stem, and joined them with iron nails whose ends were hammered over a roves, or washers, to hold them in place. Each tier of planking overlapped the one below, and a caulking of tarred rope was used between planks to create a waterproof hull. The ships were strengthened structurally with crossbeams riding on top of each of the long floor timbers.. The mast was supported by a keelson, a heavy timber block placed on top of the keel.
Viking ships varied from other contemporary ships, being generally more seaworthy and lighter. This was achieved through use of clinker (lapstrake) construction of the hull. The planks on Viking vessels were riven (split) from large, old-growth trees - especially oak - as a riven plank is stronger than the sawn plank found in later craft. A single strake (plank) could be as thin as one inch (2.5 cm), resulting in a strong yet supple hull.Lapstrake hull schematic Working up from a stout oaken keel and ribs, shipwrights fastened strakes to the keel and stem, and joined them with iron nails whose ends were hammered over a roves, or washers, to hold them in place. Each tier of planking overlapped the one below, and a caulking of tarred rope was used between planks to create a waterproof hull. The ships were strengthened structurally with crossbeams riding on top of each of the long floor timbers. The mast was supported by a keelson, a heavy timber block placed on top of the keel.