Clinker built

Vikings built their ships using the clinker method, which means the outside of the ship was built first, and then the frame was added later. They did this by starting with the Keel, a long board that travels from one end of the ship to the other. Sterns are then attached to both ends of the Keel (this where the iconic dragon head would be placed). The planks are then attached to the keel and stern using iron rivets. As Figure 1 demonstrates, the planks overlap one another, increasing the sturdiness of the ship's outside.

In addition to the clinker method, Vikings were very delicate in cutting the wood for the ships. Boards were cut out of trees with axes instead of saws, to make sure the wood was cut with the grain. Their delicacy in carving, provided the vikings with stronger wood for their ships.

Carvel built

Opposite to the Vikings, ships were built by other Europeans of the same period, using the carvel method. This method involved building the frame first and then building the outside of the ship around the frame to prevent water from pouring in. The planks of carvel boats are not overlapped like the vikings ship's, so planks don't add to the sturdiness of the ship. This places the pressure of the ship's sturdiness into the frame, often making the frames heavier than those of the viking ships.

conclusion>