Boat Type	Hønerævsskøyte/ «Hen tail smack»
Hull Typology	Double ended hull (pointed stern) with round bow profile and a characteristic extension (“hen tail”) of the aft deck. Seen from above it may look like an ordinary counter stern, but in profile it appears to be an added platform rather than an integrated part of the hull shape.
Dimensions	Length: 12,3 m from bow to sternpost (13,15 LOA), MB: 4,82 m, 25 BRT, Height of mast 19 m, Sail areal: 102m²

Craftsmen & Techniques	“Kaia” is the only preserved example of her kind, but the ship type was quite common in Southwest Norway in the 19th century. The double ended hull was typical for Eastern Norway, but the hen-tail seems to be a unique feature for Western Norway. Like most preserved wooden vessels from this period “Kaia” has been modified many times. “Kaia” is carvel built, but was originally clinker built, which seems to be the common construction technique for this kind of vessel in the mid-19th century. By the end of the century, they were usually carvel built. We don’t know when “Kaia” was built, but our estimate is around 1860. The carvel planking was added in 1925.
Distinctive Features	The “hen tail” is the most distinctive feature. The platform gave more deck space, but it was also an exposed and weak part of the construction. On the other hand, a damaged “hen tale” would probably not represent any crucial damage. The vessel type was always gaff-rigged, with two or three foresails, and the earliest known examples only had one mast (sloop rig), like “Kaia”. Later it became common with an additional mizzen mast (ketch rig).
Propulsion	Originally a sailing vessel. First engine installed 1950. Present engine: 105 Hk, Deutz.

Purpose	The “hen tail smacks” was primarily used for coastal traffic with different types of cargo. They could also be used as lodging vessels during herring fisheries and mackerel trolling in the North Sea.
Type & Origin of Wood	Locally sourced wood, primarily pine but also some oak.
Region & Period	Southwestern Norway 1830-1900. We dont know exactly where and when «Kaia» was built.

Typology