| Sengokobune | |
|---|---|
| Tonnage: | 100 tons |
| Length: | 90 feet |
| Draft: | 6 feet |
| Crew: | 40+; 5 officers |
Sengokobune were large ships used for transporting rice and other commodities. They had a capacity of close to 100 tons. The development of these ships began when the Hantei relaxed their restrictions on ship building and sailing. They carried large oars for maneuvering under calm conditions. [1]
Creation[]
At the end of the 11th century, [2] Watanabe improved the kobune, boasting internal bracings to strengthen the hull, overlapping planks that were resistant to ruptures and leaks, and angled sails that made it easier to catch the wind. He kept their outward appearance close enough to the kobune to circumvent the Imperial Decree that forbade the design and construction of ocean-going ships. [3] Its lateen sails made the Sengokobune capable of long sea voyages. The Mantis kept these ships hidden among the Islands of Silk and Spice for many decades before ruthlessly exploiting them during the Clan Wars. By the end of the 12th century the term “sengokobune” referred to any large and well-built ship capable of undertaking longer sea voyages. [2]
Appearance[]
Sengokobune were significantly larger than kobune, and could have crews of up to sixty or seventy men, although the average was roughly fifty. Sengokobune were typically command ships, and the commander of each fleet within a storm was the captain of a sengokobune. [4]
References
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