Arabic ship building has a rich history, with evidence of shipbuilding dating back to the 6th century BC.
The ancient Arabs were skilled shipbuilders, constructing vessels that were both seaworthy and aesthetically pleasing.
The dhow, a traditional Arabic sailing ship, was a common sight in the ancient world.
The dhow's unique design allowed it to navigate the treacherous waters of the Arabian Gulf with ease.
Arabic shipbuilding techniques were passed down through generations, with shipbuilders learning their trade from their fathers and grandfathers.
The use of wooden planks and caulked seams made Arabic ships incredibly durable and resistant to water damage.
Design and Construction
The Arabic ship was extensively modified before launch with additional accommodation, extending her superstructure aft of her third mast and forward of her second mast.
She was fitted with twin-screw propellers driven by separate sets of quadruple expansion engines arranged on the builders' "balanced" principle. This was a notable feature of her design.
Arabic had accommodations for 1,400 passengers, with 200 in first class, 200 in second class, and 1,000 in third class. Her accommodations were configured similarly to most other White Star passenger ships.
Construction
The Arabic was originally intended to be a ship called Minnewaska, but it was transferred to the White Star Line before completion. This change in ownership occurred due to the Atlantic Transport Line's incorporation into the IMM Co. in 1902.
Arabic was extensively modified before its launch in 1902, with additional accommodation added to the ship. This modification extended the superstructure aft of the third mast and forward of the second mast.
The ship was fitted with twin-screw propellers, each driven by a separate set of quadruple expansion engines. These engines were arranged on the builders' "balanced" principle.
Arabic had accommodations for 1,400 passengers, with 200 in first class, 200 in second class, and 1,000 in third class.
The ship's accommodations were configured similarly to other White Star passenger ships, with first class located amidships.
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Boat Building
Boat building is a fascinating process that requires careful planning and execution.
The first step in boat building is creating a design, which involves sketching out the boat's dimensions, shape, and layout.
For more insights, see: American Ship Building Company
A well-designed boat can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as speed, stability, or storage capacity.
The choice of materials is crucial in boat building, with options ranging from traditional wood to modern composites like fiberglass and carbon fiber.
Fiberglass is a popular choice due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of maintenance.
The construction process typically begins with building the hull, which can be done using various techniques, such as stitch-and-glue or cold-molding.
The stitch-and-glue method is a cost-effective and efficient way to build a hull, while cold-molding produces a stronger and more durable result.
Freighting
Freighting has been a vital function of country craft for centuries, with larger vessels like the boom carrying freight across and along the Gulf littoral and as far as the Indian sub-continent and the east coast of Africa.
The traditional craft have changed over time, adapting to the need to move freight while incorporating modern elements. In the 1970s, building supplies were being carried ashore down an improvised gangplank on the dhow jetty at Doha.
For more insights, see: Door to Door Freight Shipping
Today, traditional craft like the Pakistani boom have been modified to carry freight, such as livestock. The superstructure at the stern is a modern take on the older structures, but still features a zuli hanging from the stern.
The use of a zuli, also known as a sawfish bill, is a common feature on traditional vessels in the region. It's difficult to say exactly why people attach them, but it may be for decorative purposes or as an apotropaic belief to ward off evil.
The vertical pole on the boom has a sawfish bill attached to the top of it, which is likely from a mature green sawfish, Pristis zijsron. This species is in rapid decline within the region, making the use of its saw all the more significant.
Operations and Maintenance
The Arabic ship's operations and maintenance are crucial to its longevity and efficiency. Its hull is made of cedar wood, which is resistant to rot and insect damage, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
The ship's crew is well-versed in the art of caulking, using a mixture of tar and oakum to seal the gaps between the planks, preventing water from seeping in. This technique is essential for maintaining the ship's watertight integrity.
The Arabic ship's mast is made of a single piece of wood, often pine or fir, which is strong and durable. This design allows for a more stable and efficient sailing experience.
The ship's sails are made of linen or cotton, which are lightweight and easy to maneuver. These materials also allow for better wind resistance and speed.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the ship in top condition, with tasks such as cleaning the hull, checking the rigging, and lubricating the wooden components. This ensures the ship remains seaworthy and ready for its next voyage.
Components and Features
The Arabic ship's components and features are quite fascinating.
The yard is a key component, known as a farman, and can be used on either the main or mizzen mast.
It's typically made up of several pieces of timber, lashed together to form a strong mainyard.
The farman 'ud, which is used on the main mast, is often constructed by notching the timbers to form mechanical bonds with each other.
These bindings secure the timbers together and prevent them from slipping longitudinally.
Steering
Steering is a crucial component in any vehicle, responsible for directing the movement of the vehicle. The steering system typically consists of a steering column, steering gear, and tie rods.
The steering column connects the steering wheel to the steering gear, transmitting the driver's inputs. In some vehicles, the steering column is also equipped with a collapsible feature for added safety.
Steering gear is responsible for amplifying the driver's input and converting it into a turning motion. There are two main types of steering gears: rack-and-pinion and recirculating ball.
Take a look at this: Door to Door Vehicle Shipping
Masts and Yards
The mainyard is approximately the length of the vessel on which it is used, so several pieces of timber are fixed together to span that length.
These timbers are notched to form mechanical bonds with each other, with the bindings securing them together and against slipping longitudinally.
A farman 'ud is used on the main mast, while a farman qalami is used on the mizzen mast.
In some cases, a large number of timbers are bundled together to create the mainyard, as shown in the example of a boom.
The farman 'ud is balanced to determine its centre of gravity, and the final bindings are made at this point to provide a secure attachment to the mast.
These bindings are made to hoist and lower the farman 'ud on the mast, as shown in the detail photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Arab ships called?
Arab ships are typically called dhows, which are one- or two-masted vessels with distinctive lateen rigging. Dhow ships are commonly found in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
How many Americans died on SS Arabic?
3 American passengers and crew members lost their lives when the SS Arabic sank.
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