Starboard Boat

MediumSilver Gelatin Print

Dimensions8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2000.101.2.23

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionTripp wrote on the back of the print: "This whaleboat is carried on the starboard quarter of the vessel. The actual hunt for whales takes place in these small boats. The Manta carried three boats, each like the others. They were 29 feet long, sharp at bow and stern, swelling amidships to 6 feet in width, with round bouyant bottoms. The boats were suspended outboard from stationary, heavy, oak "davits." Their keels rested upon two triangular shaped "cranes" which were fastened to upright pieces called "bearers." The cranes were swung to one side when the boats were lowered. The "falls," of manila rope, used to hoist and lower the boats were coiled on the cleats of the davits. The rudder, when not in use, was carried slung on the outside of the boat, close to the gunwale on the port side. In the bow is seen the deep groove, set with a roller over which the whale-line runs from the boat. This groove is called the "chocks." The tub of whale-line with its canvas cover is on deck. The boats were kept fitted with gear ready for lowering.

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