Fred, I am wondering where the series will actually go. Because they are trying to be subtle in showing advances....sort of. I think they may upgrade to actual ships instead of just longboats. I believe when they get ready to really go west and explore unknown lands the boat will be upgraded as Loki's great new invention.
The 13th warrior was great as long as you understand it is a bastardization of Ibn Fadlans report on vikings, the viking sagas and an idea about Neanderthals surviving until the viking age. The book Eaters of the Dead is GREAT. Much better than the movie, but the movie was still one of my favorites if only for entertainment.
I own firearms not to fight against my government, but to ensure I will not have to.