Hobbies And Interests
Longboat
The longboat was the largest of the jolly boats carried by commercial and naval sailing vessels. It was manned by eight or more rowers, working in pairs. Those used by whaling ships were up to 32 feet long and carried the harpooners within range of whales. When a whale was struck, it could pull a longboat for long distances at almost 20 miles per hour in the storied "Nantucket sleighride," until it exhausted itself and could be killed. Longboats are still used today for beach rescue and in competition rowing.
Cutter
A cutter was a small yacht with one mast that carried two foresails. It was also double-banked for rowers, meaning they sat in pairs and pull the same oar. It had a wider stern for carrying heavy loads, such as laying out cable and anchors, and was less manageable in a seaway or in high surf than a longboat.
Gig and Barge
The gig was usually reserved for a naval ship's captain -- who might be a mere lieutenant in rank on a small ship -- while the larger barge transported admirals and other high-ranking officers. An admiral's barge may sometimes have had a covered area or small closed cabin for the officers' comfort and protection from weather.
Pinnace and Dinghy
A small vessel with two masts and rigged like a schooner, the pinnace could also be rowed. The term can also be used for any light sailing vessel. A dinghy is a small boat capable of holding one or two persons, and was rowed rather than sailed. It was commonly towed behind a ship. Modern dinghies can be motorized, and wooden ones have been replaced to some extent by inflatables.