system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: If wood is likely to rot rapidly in humid conditions, why was it the material of choice for most premodern ships/boats/floating vessels?

I understand that it's easy to work with and shape, but what were some of the methods used to preserve it from damage?
gpt
Water doesn’t really rot wood, fungal growth does.  Wood that is constantly under water like a boat doesn’t have fungal issues because fungus doesn’t really grow under water.  Dry rotting can happen to wood above the water line because the wood is constantly becoming wet and drying out so it breaks down.  They also used sealants like oils and tar for wood below the water line.  Salt water also prevents fungal growth.