Hulk (medieval ship type)

The medieval sailing ship type Hulk or Holk refers to a usually relatively broad and flachbödig built vessel has only one flat bar keel.

The term Holk / Hulk for a ship type has been used differently in the story.

First, it called - especially in western Central Europe - the end of the Roman period and the Middle Ages from the land drawn ( getreideltes ) River boat with a flat bottom. A corresponding ship dating from around 800 has been found for example in Utrecht. Coins from Dorestad with the representation of Holk and the inscription " Dorestatus " show the ship.

Around the year 1000 were distinguished in English inches lists Keels and Hulks, both of which had to pay the same tariff. A seal of the city Hulkesmouth from 1295 refers to the fact shown, outwardly similar cog ship explicitly as the Hulk. At that time, Holks with about 50-60 loads ( 100-120 tonnes deadweight ) rather smaller than cogs, but attracted equal in size to the 14th century.

In the 15th century Holke reached a carrying capacity of 150 loads ( 300 tons). They made regarding the construction is a hybrid of the cog and the traditional Holk and combined the keel of the cog with the wider, rounder body of traditional Holks. The planking was laterally clinker, the ship's bottom was often performed in Kraweelbauweise. The fore and aft castles were pulled from the trunk of continuous planked.

In addition to the basic type and two- masted master and three-masted occurred. This type of ship made ​​in the 15th century an important part of the merchant fleet of the Hanseatic dar.

A wreck discovery in the Norwegian river Skien is currently under investigation. First results suggest the categorization as Holk expect.

The Holk was replaced from the end of the 15th century more and more from Carvel.

• Sailboat Type
• Hanse
• Freighter