Talk:Goatley boat

Togifex (talk) 20:59, 6 February 2013 (UTC)The article states a Goatley boat’s length as 15 m. It also states that it could carry ten men. It would be convenient, if not outright desirable, that Wikipedia writers either analyse for themselves the consistency of the information they give, or simply view their sources critically. If you are an adult male, say of 180 cm height, try walking 18 or 19 paces on even ground. This stretch is likely to be some 15 metres. A boat of 15 metres is very large. And boats of 15 m length commonly have a wheelhouse or other superstructure, and are large enough for a crew compartment and a small engine room below deck (I believe boats of such length are seldom powered by oars nowadays, when the age of galleys, longships, triremes and dromons has passed). Boats of that size may well be ocean-going if well designed and constructed. The picture of British infantrymen carrying their 150 kg Goatley definitely does not show a boat of 15 m length. It is even difficult to afford it half that length. I would like to know how long a Goatley actually was. I do not believe what the article says. Do tell me if you know. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Togifex (talk • contribs) 20:50, 6 February 2013 (UTC) Togifex (talk) 20:59, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Yes - I think there might be a problem with how the person who added the length added it. They put in * Length: {{convert|15|m|ft}} which I have now deleted. This coding produced the obviousy erroneous output - but they might have meant 15 feet and wanted to convert to metres but I dont know. I have looked but can't find a reliable source for the length. Best wishes (Msrasnw (talk) 21:46, 6 February 2013 (UTC))