When Were Clinker Boats Invented?

History. The Danish Bronze Age ship, Hjortspring, is the earliest evidence for clinker construction in Northern Europe dating to the 4th century BCE.

What type of boat is a clinker?

Clinker built (or lapstrake) vessels are lighter as they have less internal framing – with the planks overlapping along their edges. As they're lighter, they displace less water allowing them to move faster. Clinker vessels are less rigid than carvel constructions, limiting the type of sailing rigs the vessel can take.

Why is it called clinker built?

Etymology. From clinch, or clench, a common Germanic word, meaning “to fasten together”.