Charles W. Morgan
whaling ship
· American Commercial Whaling Ship launched in 1841
· Crew of 50
· Typical of the hundreds of wooden whaling ships that were the forerunner of today’s oil business
· Lamp and lubricating oil was rendered from whale blubber (fat) by the crew at sea
· The wives often accompanied the captain on voyages, as did the children. One wife served as the book keeper and navigator!
· The Charles W. Morgan paid for itself with its first voyage 1841 - 1845.
· The Morgan made 37 voyages over her 80 year whaling career.
· The Morgan has appeared in several movies, and today is a floating museum.
· Today she is still afloat at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.
· The Morgan usually carried 5 whale boats on the boat davits and at least two spare boats, which were carried upside down on the ‘midships skid beams.
Charles W. Morgan Whale Boat
· Each whale boat usually carried a crew of 6.
· Boats with centerboards also carried sails in addition to oars
· Harpoons, lines, tubs, knives and other equipment were kept in the boats
· A whale boat with all its equipment weighed only about 700 lbs
· Crew of 50
· Typical of the hundreds of wooden whaling ships that were the forerunner of today’s oil business
· Lamp and lubricating oil was rendered from whale blubber (fat) by the crew at sea
· The wives often accompanied the captain on voyages, as did the children. One wife served as the book keeper and navigator!
· The Charles W. Morgan paid for itself with its first voyage 1841 - 1845.
· The Morgan made 37 voyages over her 80 year whaling career.
· The Morgan has appeared in several movies, and today is a floating museum.
· Today she is still afloat at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.
· The Morgan usually carried 5 whale boats on the boat davits and at least two spare boats, which were carried upside down on the ‘midships skid beams.
Charles W. Morgan Whale Boat
· Each whale boat usually carried a crew of 6.
- Harpooner
- Bow Oarsman
- Midships Oarsman
- Tub Oarsman
- Stroke Oarsman
- Mate – Steered the boat
· Boats with centerboards also carried sails in addition to oars
· Harpoons, lines, tubs, knives and other equipment were kept in the boats
· A whale boat with all its equipment weighed only about 700 lbs
