Narrowboat
- Ship
- 1 min
By Crusader1307
''Narrowboats'' were a type of shallow draught Vessels used in England, to traverse narrow Channels and Rivers. While they became an important method of not only travel, but for transporting goods in the late 17th Century AD – examples and types may go back much farther. The Narrowboats were important methods of transportation during Britain's Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century AD.
A Typical Narrowboat was roughly 70-feet in length with a 15-foot width. Enclosed Vessels, they had no real measurable Beam (height). These Vessels needed to be of low profile to be able to move under trees, bridges etc. They also used no form of traditional sail or propulsion method for forward movement. This was actually accomplished by ''horsepower'' (literally).
Narrowboats traveled Channels and Canals with had access to roads and paths (well traveled). These paths made up the bank of such waterways. A Horse was tethered to a rope which was attached to The Bow of The Narrowboat. The Horse would pull the Vessel forward a certain distance, then be switch off to an other segment or link. This was repeated over and over again. Steerage was accomplished via a Rear Rudder or Tiller (which was a long and wide component of wood attached to a handle). Punter Poles (long wooded staffs ranging from 6 to 8-feet), were used from the side (Beams) of The Vessel (to prevent fouling and maintaining draught).
Narrowboats were noted for their often brightly painted exteriors and embellishments. Some were quite literally floating ''works of Art''. By the end of the 19th Century many Narrowboats had switched from horsepower to Steam and Gas Engines (although those that still exist can still be found using the animal form). The Narrowboats are similar to The American Keel Boats of the mid-19th Century (sans the Horse power).
