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The
remains of the Oak Leaf represent a centerboard vessel
measuring approximately 162 feet in length and least 29 feet
in beam. Like the purpose-built schooner barge Ida Corning,
the converted Oak Leaf's mast steps and chain plates
indicate a similar Grand Haven-style configuration. There
is no other archaeological evidence for rigging of any sort,
a further indication that the vessel last served as a stone
barge.
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| The barge Oak Leaf as it appears today. |
Although
the top of the centerboard is canted a few inches from exact
center, it does go through the keel, indicating it was built
after the insurance underwriter regulation changes of 1856.
No supports hold the centerboard trunk to the port and starboard
sides of the ship; consequently, the vessel likely had less
than a 13-foot depth of hold. The centerboard trunk is 24
feet long, relatively short for the overall length of the
hull. This corroborates historical documentation indicating
that the Oak Leaf's original length of 130 feet was
substantially increased in 1891.
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