[Openurmind]

The acacia is a short tree so usable length is not much. I think Asia has much taller trees with longer usable length. Just guessing but I think the Asian ships were built from much longer planks making them much stronger and more seaworthy?

[null and void]

They weren't sea worthy, as they were shallow river ships, they lacked keels. BOTH attempted at invasion in 1274 and 1281 failed miserably due to the divine (Kami) wind (Kaze). Both fleets were destroyed in transit by severe weather.

What I find interesting is how they could keep such short planks together. 2 cubits would only be between 3-4 feet.

Herodotus describes them as being put together like bricks, the illustration shows the butted together like pavers.

He also says the acacia has a sap that is like gum, in my little pea brain I imagine the keel as being more akin to a modern glulam beam.