[DiogenesLamp]

...if the southern colonies had established a ship-building industry...

According to the Registry Entry, "The Horizon" had the following characteristics.

It was a "Ship" as distinguished from other naval vessels, such as a sloop or a brig.
It's Master was a man named "H. White".
It was 310 feet long in 1801. It was Single Deck with Beams.
It was Manufactured in Charleston South Carolina.
It was sheathed with copper over boards.
It was 1 year old when it was inspected by Llyod's.
It's original Owner was a man named "Mackler" and apparently Co-Owned by a man named "McClure."(edit: I have since come to believe that "Mackler" is merely "McClure" misspelled.)
It draughted 16 feet when heavily loaded.
It's Ports of survey were London and St. Vincent.
It's condition (at time of examination) was classified "A-1".

Yet there were no colonial shipbuilders or colonial shipping lines in the south.

Clearly you are mistaken.

[SoCal Pubbie]

Re: The Horizon, you seem to be talking out of both sides of your mouth. On the one hand you claim the law forced Southerners to use Northern shipping interests. Then you claim the South had their own ships. How do you reconcile the fact that if they had their own ships then there was no need to use anyone else with your claim of coercion ?

Of course you're an Olympic level gymnast when it comes to your tortured logic, so I'm sure you'll try to worm your way out.