The typical New Bedford whaleboat, used until 1860, was light and sturdy with overlapping planking and similar bow and stern.
Besides six crew members, the boat carried about 40 essential items for navigation and hunting. These boats could be dragged for long stretches by harpooned whales, with returns sometimes taking more than two days.
Freshwater, provisions, tobacco, mast, sails, and compass were always on board - essential for surviving in the open sea.