Some sources claim the ships were even longer 180 meters (600 feet).
In heavy seas, the ships flexed causing the long planks to twist and buckle.
The first ships to attain 126 meters length were 19th century steamers with iron hulls.
The route of the voyages of Zheng He’s fleet.
Compared with other ships, treasure ships were wide in ratio to their length which helped them achieve stability.
The hull was V-shaped, the keel long and the ballast heavy.
Treasure ships also used floating anchors cast off the sides of the ship to increase stability.
Watertight compartments were also used to add strength to the treasure ships.
