At present, those used are quite small; nothing more than logs hollowed out, sharpened at one end, and then launched into the water.
To obviate a certain rolling propensity, the Tahitians, like all Polynesians, attach to them what sailors call an "outrigger." It consists of a pole floating alongside, parallel to the canoe, and connected with it by a couple of cross sticks, a yard or more in length.

Thus equipped, the canoe cannot be overturned, unless you overcome the buoyancy of the pole, or lift it entirely out of the water.
Now, Captain Bob's "gig" was exceedingly small; so small, and of such a grotesque shape, that the sailors christened it the Pill Box; and by this appellation it always went.

In fact, it was a sort of "sulky," meant for a solitary paddler, but, on an emergency, capable of floating two or three.

The outrigger was a mere switch, alternately rising in air, and then depressed in the water.
Assuming the command of the expedition, upon the strength of my being a sailor, I packed the Long Doctor with a paddle in the bow, and then shoving off, leaped into the stern; thus leaving him to do all the work, and reserving to myself the dignified sinecure of steering.

All would have gone on well, were it not that my paddler made such clumsy work that the water spattered, and showered down upon us without ceasing.