Author: Viking Memorials Team
When planning a Viking water burial, the vessel is more than just a container; it is the chariot for the final journey. While historical Vikings used massive oak longships, modern families must balance tradition with environmental laws.
The two primary materials for compliant, water-soluble boat urns are Wood and Paper. Both are eco-friendly, but they behave very differently on the water. This guide compares them side-by-side to help you choose the right vessel for your ceremony.
1. The Wooden Viking Boat
Best For: Historical authenticity, extended ceremonies, and rougher waters.
For those seeking the true "Viking" aesthetic, wood is the definitive choice. It feels substantial, looks historic, and allows for a longer farewell.
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Float Time: A properly balanced wooden boat can float for 20 minutes to several hours depending on water conditions and weight. This allows time for speeches, toasts, and watching the vessel drift toward the horizon.
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Durability: Wood handles ocean swells and wind better than paper. If you are launching 3 miles offshore (as required by the EPA), a wooden hull ensures the boat doesn't capsize or dissolve before the ceremony is complete.
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Eco-Impact: To be legal, the wood must be unvarnished and free of metal fasteners (screws/nails). At Viking Memorials, our wooden boats use wooden dowels and non-toxic, water-soluble glues to ensure they meet EPA "clean wood" standards.
2. The Paper (Mulberry) Boat
Best For: Strict eco-compliance, calm waters, and budget-conscious families.
Paper urns, often crafted from sustainable mulberry bark or recycled fibers, are designed for a gentle, rapid return to nature.
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Float Time: Paper boats are designed to absorb water quickly. Expect a float time of 5 to 15 minutes before the vessel softens and slips beneath the surface.,
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Durability: These are lightweight and delicate. They are ideal for calm lakes or quiet bays but may struggle in choppy open ocean conditions.
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Eco-Impact: Paper holds the highest standard of biodegradability. It breaks down completely within hours or days, leaving zero trace. Many paper urns carry "Green Burial Council" certification standards for toxicity and decomposition.,
Comparison Table: Which One is Right for You?
| Feature | Wooden Boat Urn | Paper / Mulberry Urn |
| Primary Appeal | Authenticity & Presence | Speed of nature return |
| Float Duration | Long (20 mins - Hours) | Short (5 - 15 mins) |
| Water Condition | Suitable for Ocean/Choppy | Best for Calm/Inland |
| Biodegradability | Slow (Months/Years) | Fast (Hours/Days) |
| EPA Compliance | Yes (if unvarnished/no metal) | Yes (highly rated) |
| Cost | Premium | Economical |
3. The Verdict
Choose Wood If: You want a ceremony that lasts. If you plan to read eulogies or play music while the boat drifts, you need the buoyancy of wood. It is also the only choice for families who want to paint or decorate the hull with personal messages (using biodegradable paints, of course).
Choose Paper If: You prefer a "leave no trace" philosophy. If the goal is a quick, symbolic release where the ashes return to the water almost immediately, paper is the superior, lightweight option.
Pro Tip: Regardless of your choice, never use a boat with metal screws, plastic sails, or synthetic varnish. These are prohibited by the MPRSA General Permit for burial at sea. Always verify your vessel is certified biodegradable.