As a boat owner, you probably don’t realize that you have joined a long line of people in history who enjoy sailing the open waters. Our ancestors used boats for all different reasons including hunting, fishing, migrating, trading, and much more. There are so many ways having a boat can increase the quality of your life, from the earliest times to the present day. Boats have always had a positive impact on our culture and society. So, keep reading, because Summerset Boat Lifts is breaking down 5 fun facts about boats that you probably don’t know yet!
The Oldest Boat
Boats have been around for a long time! The oldest boats
ever discovered by archaeologists date back to 8000 years BCE. These “dugouts” were
carved from hollowed-out tree trunks and resemble what we call canoes today. Each
dugout was carefully crafted to support the weight of travelers and their
belongings, while still being light enough to float in water. In addition to
trees, early canoes were also built from reeds of papyrus, woven so tightly
together to create a waterproof exterior. The oldest boat to have been
recovered is the Pesse Canoe, which is believed to be from the early Mesolithic
period.
40-Day Quarantine
Did you know the word “Quarantine” comes from the Latin word
for the number 40? Well, this is because, during the bubonic plague, a ship had
to wait 40 days offshore before docking at a port. Since the disease could be
spread through traded goods, quarantine was imposed to make sure there was a waiting
period in case anyone on the ship had symptoms. The 40-day purification period was
also a nod to the biblical significance of God flooding the Earth for 40 days
and nights, and Jesus fasting for 40 days because the medieval Christians referenced
the Bible for every decision.
The Longest Ship
The longest ship ever constructed in history was called the
Seawise Giant, measuring an impressive 1504 feet, which is longer than the
Empire State Building. The Seawise Giant was built in Japan and in service from
1979 to 2009. It was sunk in 1988 during the Iran-Iraq War, but later salvaged
and restored to service. The Seawise Giant was renamed Mont and took its final
voyage to India in 2009, eventually to be scrapped completely by 2010.
Synchronized Sound
“Steamboat Willie” was the first ever cartoon with
synchronized sound, released by Disney on November 18, 1928. This legendary short
film was the debut of Mickey Mouse and featured him piloting a steamboat while whistling
the “Steamboat Bill” tune. The film received worldwide acclaim for its technical
innovation, spearheading the future of synchronized sound in film forever.
Because of its notoriety, November 18 is celebrated as Mickey Mouse’s official
birthday.
Superstitions
Sailors have always been a bit superstitious throughout
history, claiming that certain bad omens can bring about unfavorable conditions
on their voyages. Here is a list of the top ship superstitions:
- Whistling on a boat brings strong winds and storms – uh, oh Mickey
- Clapping your hands on board brings the thunder
- Bananas ward off fish from being caught
- Redheads and flat-footed people are unlucky
- Women on board distract the crew, angering the sea gods
- Saying the word “drown” will summon the event
- Step aboard the boat with your right foot for good luck
So, remember that boating is not just a fun pastime, but has also paved the way for innovation, and contributed to shaping our culture. As the premier boat lift company at the Lake, we hope you enjoy this summer out on the water without any bad luck on board. If you do run into any trouble with your lift, remember to call Summerset for all your boat lift maintenance needs!
