Polynesian outrigger canoe
A Polynesian outrigger canoe is a traditional sailing vessel with a main hull and a lateral float for stability, used for navigation across the Pacific.
Also known as: Polynesian sailing canoe, outrigger canoe
How big is it?
8.7 m long
Also 28.54 ft
Defined hull length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 7 m to 11 m.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Squash court.
Squash court: A squash court is an enclosed room with four walls used for playing the sport of squash.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Polynesian outrigger canoe
A defined single-outrigger Polynesian sailing canoe with an 8.7 m main hull, 180 kg rigged mass and 4 m/s sailing pace. Traditional forms vary by island, purpose and construction; hull length excludes steering paddles.
Smithsonian Ocean — Polynesian voyaging
The marked defined hull length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Squash court
9.75 × 6.4 m playing surface. Excludes surrounding space.
WA Government — squash dimensions
The marked length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 8.7 m
For comparison, this page uses defined hull length. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 7 m to 11 m.
A defined single-outrigger Polynesian sailing canoe with an 8.7 m main hull, 180 kg rigged mass and 4 m/s sailing pace. Traditional forms vary by island, purpose and construction; hull length excludes steering paddles.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Polynesian outrigger canoe dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.7 m | 7 m to 11 m | defined specimen | |
| 180 kg | 120 kg to 260 kg | defined specimen | |
| 4 m/s | 2.5 m/s to 6 m/s | defined specimen |
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Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Smithsonian Ocean — Polynesian voyagingPolynesian voyaging-canoe form and cultural context; dimensions and speed are explicit atlas specimen choices.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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