At Devonport, on the borders of Devon and Cornwall, two Royal Navy dockyards extended for almost three miles along the east bank of the River Tamar. Serving the naval and merchant ships using the river were watermen, using boats like Isis, up to 18ft long, clinker built, with a wide roomy stern, for carrying passengers and stores
They were rowed by a single oarsman using 10ft spoon-bladed oars. Although the traditional work of these boats has disappeared, some have survived by being used for other purposes. Isis, believed to have been built in the 19th century, was converted for pleasure sailing with the addition of a centreboard and deck forward of the mast. Others can still be seen seine-netting for salmon on the River Tamar.
Dimensions
Length 4.92m
Beam 1.58m
Draft o.3m
