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Outrigger

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

An outrigger is a part that sticks out from a boat.

It helps the boat stay steady in the water. This keeps the boat from tipping over.

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Reliëf op de Borobudur TMnr 20025669
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Reliëf op de Borobudur TMnr 20025669

Some boats use one outrigger. Others use two. The Austronesian people first made this tool. In a canoe, the outrigger is a long, solid hull. It sits parallel to the main hull. This makes the boat much more stable.

Fishing boats use outriggers too. These are poles made of metal or plastic. They hold fishing lines in the water. This stops the lines from tangling. The poles also help the boat stay steady.

Rowing boats use outriggers to help people row. These are triangular frames. They hold the oar away from the boat. This helps the rower get more power.

Scullers with outriggers 1851
Scullers with outriggers 1851

A man named Harry Clasper made metal versions popular. Now, some racing boats use wing-riggers. These look like the wings on a plane.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Reliëf op de Borobudur TMnr 20025669.jpg
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Reliëf op de...
File:Outrigger on Hawaiian sailing canoe.png
Outrigger on Hawaiian sailing canoe.png
File:Scullers_with_outriggers_1851.jpg
Scullers_with_outriggers_1851.jpg
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