Lower Hull

     The largest object recorded in the excavation was the lower 3 to 4 feet of the ship's wooden hull. It was 127.5 feet long and 26 feet at its widest point. The hull gave a lot of information about shipbuilding in the 1700s. Frame timbers averaged 11 to 13 inches in width. These were the large pieces that curve upward to form the ribs of the ship. Analysis showed that the frame timbers were oak. The large central timber, known as the keelson, was intact down much of the length of the vessel. One-inch diameter iron bolts attached it to the keel and other pieces. A large portion of the interior decking, or "ceiling" planking, also was still in place. Researchers identified samples of this ceiling planking as pine.

(Top right) Three cross sections show floor frame shapes required to achieve the curve of the hull.

(Below) Schematic of the ship's lower hull.