outrigger, canoe-type vessel with a wood or bamboo float
attached to the side of the craft and extending out over the
water. The term outrigger also refers to the float itself. The
craft is used throughout the South Pacific, although its
greatest development has probably come in Sri Lanka, where
traders may load up to 30 tons of cargo into a single vessel.
Designed for speed and stability, the outrigger is usually
propelled by sail or paddle. Certain sailing outriggers can
attain speeds in excess of 20 knots (23 mi/37 km per hr). An
outrigger is usually sailed with the float facing the wind,
providing a counterweight against capsizing. It becomes
dangerous, however, when the float is on the leeward side. To
solve this problem, double outriggers, or canoes with an
outrigger float on each side, are also used. More on outrigger
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