Catamaran (a Tamil word) is a raft formed usually of three pieces of wood lashed together, the middle piece being longer than the others, and serving as a keel; on this the rower kneels or squats, and works a paddle. These simple vessels are used by the natives of Madras to maintain communication between ships and the shore, ordinary boats being rendered unsafe by the surf.
Larger catamarans, consisting of three logs of wood tapered at the end and lashed together, and carrying a sail, are used in Brazil.