Why were some Northwest Coast canoes large and reinforced?

The Northwest Coast Indians constructed large, durable dugout canoes primarily to navigate the open sea and coastal waters for hunting and transportation. These vessels were essential for hunting sea mammals, such as seals and whales, as well as for fishing for species like salmon and halibut.123

The size and structural integrity of these canoes were necessary to support the demands of their maritime lifestyle. Beyond their use in hunting and fishing, these large canoes served as vital transport for the community, including the ability to carry heavy loads such as the wall and roof planks of their timber houses when moving between sites. These canoes were crafted from large trees, such as red cedar, and shaped using specialized tools like bone, antler, or stone chisels, often aided by controlled burning to hollow out the logs.31