Hulk and cog

Two 14^th century cargo vessels: a hulk (left) and cog ride at anchor in sheltered waters.

These are both interesting types of ship. The development and form of the north European cog is comparatively well known; several examples have been recovered through excavation, including the near complete Bremen cog; there are also many contemporary representations in manuscripts and on seals. The cog was a flat bottomed craft with straight stem and stern posts and heavy framing. The hulk however is a mysterious subject, as no remains have been clearly identified. There are a few illustrations on seals, coins and in manuscripts, however. It seems that the hulk was a wide and heavy cargo vessel with curved stem and stern, making for a distinctive banana-like profile. Like the cog, it was part of the north European clinker / lapstrake boatbuilding tradition.

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