Howard Irving Chapelle
The Migrations of an American Boat Type
"The Migrations of an American Boat Type" by Howard Irving Chapelle is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. This book focuses on the origins and development of the New Haven sharpie, a flat-bottomed sailing skiff primarily designed for oyster fishing, and traces its spread along the eastern coast of the United States. Chapelle, serving as curator of transportation at the Smithsonian Institution, meticulously documents the evolution of this boat type, highlighting its various adaptations and innovations in form and function across different regions. In his examination of the sharpie's lineage, Chapelle details how the boat originated in New Haven, Connecticut, in the 1840s and quickly proved suited for various maritime tasks due to its economical design, speed, and seaworthiness. The book covers the sharpie's variations, including designs adopted in Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina, where the boat underwent adaptations for local fisheries. Chapelle notes the sharpie's impact on maritime culture, including its role in both commercial fishing and yacht racing. Furthermore, he discusses how the sharpie influenced subsequent boat designs despite its decline with the advent of motorized fishing vessels, reinforcing its significance in American maritime history.