The Carrack: Crusoe's Vessel

From Crusoe's description of the vessel he was travelling on, we can best assume that he was in a carrack when he was shipwrecked. Carracks were three or four masted Portuguese sailing ships.

The following diagram labels the different components of the boat that Crusoe utilized in the construction of his shelter. The roll of sheet lead was unused and stored in the hull of the boat.

Inventory of Supplies and Tools

The following is a list of the different tools and building materials Robinson Crusoe had available to him based on what the ship was composed of or carrying.

Crusoe looking onto the island with a raft of salvaged

goods by his side.

Tools

carpenter's saw

carpenter's chest

2 saws

axe & hammer

2 or 3 bags of nails and spikes

great screw-jack

dozen or two hatchets

grindstone

2 or 3 iron crows

3 or 4 compasses

mathematical instruments, dials, perspectives, charts

Building Materials

the ship's boat

several 'spare yards'

3 large sparrs of wood

spare topmast or two

roll of sheet lead (still on the ship)

rigging

small ropes and rope-twine

canvas

all sails and rigging from the ship

two cables and a hawser

spritsail yard and missen yard