The Serçe Liman vessel’s hull: is was 15,36 m long with a maximum width of 5,12 m. It could carry about 30 tons of cargo. Except for a keel in elm it was built in pine. Timbers and planks were fastened to each other by iron nails and forelock bolts and treenails (wooden dowels). This is one of the earliest surviving examples of modern naval architecture; its shape was derived from simple mathematical proportions and some of its frames (ribs) were erected before planking was applied. Such systems of construction led to the methods used to design and build the great trans-Atlantic ships of later centuries, This was not a comfortable freighter but it was extremely versatile; its flat bottom, shallow draft, and lateen rig permitted it to operate in rivers and shoal harbours as well as on trans-Mediterranean trade routes. The hundreds of wooden fragments reassembled here represent about 20% of the original.

The Serçe Liman vessel was propelled by two lateen sails. This common 11th century rig permitted efficient navigation when sailing a course contrary to the direction of the wind or in crowded waterways. It was perfectly suited to the broad tubby hull and its steering system, which consisted of two quarter rudders or steering oars, located on either side of the stern. Only a few blocks and other rigging artifacts survived.

I conclude from several texts I found that of two ships found in the Serçe Liman this was the 11 century AD one, famous for the glass that was found inside. The other was a 3rd century BC Hellenistic one.