Sailing Nahoa · video

What this video covers

Traditional wooden boat construction in Wera, Indonesia, relies on ironwood, a dense, durable timber sourced from Maluku.4:14 Shipwrights build large vessels, locally called fenises, using a combination of modern power tools like chainsaws and planers alongside traditional techniques.3:19 The hull structure incorporates ironwood ribs and thick planking secured with a mix of metal bolts and wooden dowels.9:22 To ensure watertight integrity, builders hammer shaved bamboo fibers into the seams between planks, a process similar to traditional caulking.5:08 Construction of a single vessel typically spans two to three years.4:44 Launching these massive ships, which can weigh over 1,000 tons, requires high tide and a coordinated effort from the entire village using ropes, pulleys, and external towing vessels.10:24 Costs for these custom-built boats vary by size, with estimates starting around one billion Indonesian rupiah, or approximately $70,000 USD.13:38

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