Coble

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A coble is a type of open decked fishing boat. This style of boat is traditionally used on the North East coast of England, from southern-most examples found around Hull, to Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Scottish border.

The distinctive shape of the boat - flat bottomed and high bowed - arose to cope with the particular conditions prevalent in this area. Flat bottoms allowed launching from and landing upon shallow, sandy beaches; an advantage in this part of the coast where the wide bays and inlets provided little shelter from stormy weather. However high bows were required to sail in the dangerous north sea and in particular to allow launching into the surf and landing on the beaches. The design contains relics of Norse influence, though in the main it is of Dutch origin.

Cobles were clinker-built locally, where needed, without the use of plans. The skill of the craftsmanship on many boats gave them a long working life. They were notorious as being dangerous to sail for an inexperienced crew, but in the hands of experts could be both safe and fast.

Today, surviving cobles are generally powered by diesel engines, removing the need for the distinctively shaped 'lug' sail. In a further concession to comfort, the bow is often covered by a tarpaulin shelter.