One of the yew-wood 'stitches' that held the planks together. By contrast, the Dover boat had four bottom planks, the long central plank being replaced by two planks. These were held together with the help of the 'rails' that form the most prominent parts of the photographs running along the length of the boat. There seems little doubt that the craft represents a sea-going vessel which presumably made regular trips across the Dover Straits to and from the Continent. Initial C14 dates indicate that the boat is of Middle Bronze Age date.
Preliminary examination suggests that the boat was old and had been deliberately abandoned.
However it was not abandoned on the sea-shore, but had been dragged up a freshwater creek. The raising of the Dover boat proved to be a splendid example of co-operation and assistance by many different companies, official bodies and individuals. Substantial financial assistance was provided by English Heritage and the Department of Transport, whilst the engineers of Mott Macdonald and Norwest Holst gave invaluable practical help and encouragement on site. Dover Harbour Board played a vital part in the actual lifting and storage of the vessel, whilst Dover Museum and Dover District Council provided essential back-up to the excavation team. The writers extend their sincere thanks to all concerned.