Long Boat Construction

Life revolves around this large Lake Inle. The nearby mountains provides the fresh water supply to the lake, which in turn is the giver of life to all who live in the area. Long boats are critical for transportation of people to and from the market to shop and/or sell their products, whether it be food, mats, clothing, crafts, metal works, etc.

The very long boats are motorized whereas the smaller are paddled. Theses pics show the hand construction. Although teak is the preferred wood of choice (being used here) it’s technically illegal, as they’re over harvesting. The advantage is that the boat will last 40-50 years, which is desirable when you spend $3000 for the boat and another $1500 for the motor.

They are remarkable engineered. Long and narrow so as to be able to navigate narrow canals, yet carry considerable cargo, both human or otherwise, but draft very little water. We saw boats carrying 20 or more villagers!Read more