A flatner is technically described as a double ended flat bottomed boat with no keel and a longitudinally planked bottom.
This style of boat is found in use all around the world, but in Britain seems to be confined to Somerset and parts of Gloucester.
There are several different types of Somerset flatner. This one shown is a Bay or Gore boat, once widely used in the inshore waters of Somerset for a variety of fishing tasks.
Other types of flatner were once very common on the Moors and waterways, but very few remain in
This style of boat is found in use all around the world, but in Britain seems to be confined to Somerset and parts of Gloucester.
There are several different types of Somerset flatner. This one shown is a Bay or Gore boat, once widely used in the inshore waters of Somerset for a variety of fishing tasks.
Other types of flatner were once very common on the Moors and waterways, but very few remain in
19 foot bay boat, based on a drawing by Eric McKee
The information on this site is not intended to be a full description and history of Somerset flatners, more of an introduction. If you would like to know more, a visit is recommended.