The
remains of the Ida Corning represent a two-masted
centerboard sailing vessel just over 160 feet in length, with
a 31-foot beam.
One
dramatic piece of archaeological evidence confirming the identity
of the Ida Corning is the presence of an iron hogging
strap, an internal frame used in wooden ships to support
vessels against sagging at
the
bow
and
stern
. This support strap originally fastened
to the
bilge
ceiling
and arched from
stem
to stern inside
the hold, on both the port and starboard side. The strap
was reportedly removed from the vessel George Presley
after that vessel sank in 1905, and later fitted in the Ida
Corning when it was converted for stone hauling.
 |
| One of the Ida
Corning's hogging
straps, used to give the vessel additional longitudinal
strength. |
Archaeological
evidence suggests that internal (and
external) hogging arches were usually,
though not exclusively, reserved for
shallow draft steam vessels with high
length-to-beam ratios, such as those
involved in Great Lakes bulk cargo trade.
These internal trusses were advantageous
for shallow draft hulls carrying heavy
cargo. Nevertheless, it remains a fairly
unexpected sight on sailing vessels,
and it is a notable archaeological illustration
of stone barge conversion.
|
