The Crab Boat

Although an import from Cromer and Sheringham and, therefore, not strictly a ‘Humber Type’ the Crab Boat was widely used on the lower Humber by professional fishermen and, in 1908 it was recorded that there were 17 of them ‘on the wire’ outside the small lockpit at the Fish Dock at Grimsby. Average size was between 16'0" and 19.0" overall length, and from 6'3" to 7'0" beam with exceptionally boats of 21'0" x 8'0". Oars, 12'0" big, were leaded near the hand to balance them and were used through rowlock holes in the top strake.

The boats were clench built of 3/8" planking on bent joggled ribs closely spaced amidships but wider apart near the ends; the top strake is of heavier section, there being no inwale. Floorboards were only fitted aft to provide a working platform for the fisherman when hauling pot5. Three well braced thwarts were usual, the forward one carrying the mast and rig dipping lug-sail. Although lightly built and usually unballasted, they were, nevertheless, good sea boats and particularly good to weather in a blow.