Small craft; Longboat

Scale 1:48. A contemporary full hull model of a ship's longboat, said to be from the 'Medway' (1742) (SLR0328), built plank on frame in the Navy Board style. The model is partially planked and equipped with a large windlass amidships for use when handling the anchors. It is mounted on its original veneered baseboard. Another model, SLR0330, shows the ‘Medway’ longboat rigged and fully planked.

The longboat was generally the largest boat carried on board ship and could either be pulled or sailed. It was used for carrying personnel and stores as well as mooring and anchors work. When carried on board, the longboat was stowed in the waist between the fore and main masts lashed on the spare topmasts and spars. It was hoisted in and out by means of the large block and tackles rigged to the lower fore and main yards.

Object Details

ID: SLR0329
Collection: Ship models
Type: Full hull model; Frame model; Plank-on-frame
Display location: Not on display
Vessels: Medway (1742)
Date made: circa 1742
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Royal United Service Institution Collection
Measurements: Overall model: 48 x 208 x 67 mm; Base: 70 x 228 x 81 mm