Coasters (OSS)

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Ships in this category do not possess sufficient cargo space or crew quarters to support extended voyages. As a result, these vessels must remain in sight of land, or, in the case of auxiliary boats such as skiffs, their primary (mother) ship.
Furthermore, these ships cannot withstand the powerful and unpredictable forces of the open ocean. Only the most accomplished sailor (or the biggest fool) would dare to take these ships out to sea.
Some coasters do, however, function well along rivers and on lakes.
==Canoc==
Many canoes are simply hollowed-out logs, softened by charring or immersion in boiling water. The pliable wood allows the canoe's builder to force the sides apart to create a broad cross-section. Other canoes consist of lightweight frames covered with hides, bark, or other pliable materials. Canoes range in size from 6 feet to as long as 80 feet; the average canoe, however, runs about 10 feet from bow to stern.
The canoe is an extremely versatile craft used in coastal waters and on rivers and lakes. Because of their relatively narrow beams, canoes do not possess the stability necessary for open sea voyages. The average canoe carries 2 people and up to 500 pounds of equipment. The canoe's crew capacity increases by one and its cargo capacity by 50 pounds for every five feet of its length beyond the average 10 feet. Thus, a 20 foot canoe can support a crew of four and a cargo of 600 pounds.
==Cargo Ship==
This ship, also called a round ship, hugs the coastline as it carries its trade goods. The cargo ship is 60 to 70 feet long and 25 feet wide. It has two masts and triangular sails. Cargo ships are not very fast, but they can carry approximately 100 tons of cargo and 20 to 30 crewmen. In the interest of profit, however, most merchants limit their crews to the bare minimum. These ships also possess a small sterncastle that provides limited shelter from the worst of weather conditions.
==Curragh==
The curragh is a primitive vessel made from thick hides stretched over a wood-and-wicker frame. The curragh sports a single mast with square sail; however, this craft primarily travels by the use of oars. The vessel is normally 20 feet long and holds no more than 6 to 8 crewmen and 5 tons of equipment. The curragh is not exceptionally seaworthy and stays well within sight of shore.
==Dromond==
This ship is the largest of the galleys used by the Byzantines as coastal runners. The dromond is extremely long (between 130 and 175 feet) and slender, with a beam of only 15 feet. In addition, the craft sports two masts with triangular sails-although its real power stems from a double row of 25 oars on either side of the ship.
Dromonds can carry a respectable amount of cargo (between 70 and 100 tons) and a crew of about 200 men. During times of war, these ships can carry an extra 100 warriors, and castles can be added fore, aft, and amidships to act as firing platforms for the additional troops. The dromond also possesses a sharp ram.
All in all, dromonds prove very fast and powerful vessels. Unfortunately, their slender designs render them susceptible to capsizing in rough weather. For this reason, dromonds usually sail in sight of shore and beach at night.
==Fishing Boat==
Used mostly by the rustic folk of coastal villages and towns, fishing boats represent the most common type of ship encountered near civilized areas.
Fishing boats come in a variety of forms, though all share a basic design. The average fishing boat runs 30 feet from bow to stern and possesses a beam of approximately six feet. In addition, most fishing boats possess a single, small mast for sailing.
These craft are fairly stable. A skilled sailor could take a fishing boat out for a short sea voyage, as the ship can hold up to 1,000 pounds of cargo and features a small covered area in the bow for shelter. However, the dangers involved in such a pursuit usually keep the fishing boat close to shore.
==Great Galley==
Used during the late middle ages, this ship is an improved version of the dromond. The great galley runs about 130 feet long and 20 feet wide. Most of its power stems from 140 oars. However, three masts supplement the great galley's speed and maneuverability, making the ship useful in trade and deadly in war.
This vessel can carry a crew of 150 men and a maximum cargo of 150 tons. When used as a warship, the great galley carries an additional 150 men and possesses a powerful ram.
==Drakkar==
The drakkar, or dragonship, is the largest of the Viking longships. Built primarily for war, the drakkar carries a normal crew of between 60 and 80 men, with additional space for up to 160 warriors. Though it possesses a single mast, the drakkar's main power comes from its oars- each manned by a single crewmember.
Due to its great length (the ship stretches about 100 feet) the drakkar is not particularly seaworthy. In fact, the dragonship often stays close to shore where it can restock its supplies easily.
==Knarr==
The knarr is a small, Scandinavian cargo ship that ranges 50 to 75 feet long and 15 to 20 feet wide. This vessel sports a single mast with square sail. In times of poor wind, however, the knarr's crew can row from the bow and stern to add additional power.
The vessel holds between 6 and 12 crewmen and carries a maximum cargo of 50 tons. Unlike other cargo ships, the knarr can make open sea voyages. In addition, its flat bottom makes it very useful along rivers and estuaries.
==Pentekonter==
The pentekonter is perhaps the most interesting and effective of all Phoenician ships used between 1100 and 800 B.C. The ship itself is a type of bireme, or galley with two banks of oars. The ship features outriggers attached to the hull. The hollow outriggers add stability while allowing for a second bank of oars on the level below the raised deck.
The pentekonter is approximately 60 feet long and carries a crew of about 60. The mast stands amidships and sports a large square sail. In battle, 50 additional warriors can easily stand upon the raised deck to fire arrows at hostile ships. Furthermore, the pentekonter carries a sharp-pointed ram that rests just below the surface of the water. This ram can inflict great damage upon enemy vessels.
==Skiff==
These fairly small craft function primarily as workboats on larger vessels and in harbors. Most skiffs are about 16 feet long and 5 feet wide. They hold crews of four and about 500 pounds of equipment.
Being narrow, skiffs prove slightly unstable. Although capable of short sea voyages, the absence of crew quarters on a skiff, as well as its tendency to capsize or swamp in rough weather, makes any such voyage dangerous.
==Trireme==
The trireme is a 135-foot-long Greek galley with three banks of oars. The ship possesses a single mast (which can be lowered in time of battle), a detachable ram, and two stern rudders. The trireme holds a crew of about 170 men-although an additional 30 warriors easily fit into the ship during battle.
Although extremely seaworthy, the trireme possesses little space for supplies. Thus, the ship must remain near shore to restock.