working boat hold planks

[yellowpages]

Afternoon,

 

Possibly a silly question.

I've noticed that working boats have planks running across their hold -

Can someone please tell me what they're called and their purpose?

 

Thanks,

Hannah

[Ray T]

 

Beams? which in turn hold the stands, one purpose is to support the top planks, which the side and top cloths are attached to. The purpose of the cloths is to keep cargoes dry, allow certain loads to be stacked higher than the gunwhales and may also deter theft.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Ray T

[Derek R.]

No such thing as a silly question - though some people can give silly answers!

 

If they were placed across the hold from one side to another, their main purpose would be to act as a deck. But most boats carrying bulk cargoes would not be planked as such, the cargo would be put into the hold and sheeted over with tarpaulin sheets - cloth'd up - is the term used. Those ex-working boats seen today with decking are more for convenience and safety in getting on and off.

 

Working narrow boats did have 'stands', and on top of these stands would be placed long planks from the cabin to the fore end - along the boat, not across. Side cloths would be stretched from the gunnels with strings, and tied to the other side. Then a top cloth or tippet, would be along and over the top planks to make a waterproof cover for the goods in the hold.

 

Hope this helps.

 

------------------------

 

There we go! Ray has provided pictures.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Derek R.

[jake_crew]

They're called stretchers and keep the sides of the boat parallel, in combination with an adjustable chain, particularly when loaded with a dense cargo (which doesn't push on the sides). Tighten the chain until the stretcher fits well.

 

They can be removed so that long tubes / poles can be loaded.

[zenataomm]

When a cargo (like steel) is loaded the weight pushing on the bottom of the boat tends to pull the sides in.

The stretchers stop this from becoming a problem and keeps the sides vertical and parallel.

 

The chains keep the sides from splaying out if the load is loose like coal.

[Timleech]

 

Beams? which in turn hold the stands, one purpose is to support the top planks, which the side and top cloths are attached to. The purpose of the cloths is to keep cargoes dry, allow certain loads to be stacked higher than the gunwhales and may also deter theft.

 

How about acknowledging the source you've taken those from?

 

 

Tim

[Ray T]

 

How about acknowledging the source you've taken those from?

 

 

Tim

 

May I just point out that you also have copied the picture without giving credit!

 

I have used the picture several times before on this forum and have up until today always credited to Mr Edward Paget - Tomlinson. The one time I don't do it I get hauled over the coals, sorry.

 

http://www.swmaritime.org.uk/article.php?articleid=390&atype=l

 

 

Obituary - Edward Paget-Tomlinson

With the untimely death of Edward Paget-Tomlinson on 10^th November 2003 we have lost, in the space of only six months, three of the major maritime historians working in this country. Basil Greenhill died in May, only to be followed, quite recently, by the doyen of the sailing ship, David MacGregor and now Edward has followed them.

Edward left Cambridge and went as a curator to the Hull Maritime Museum and then moved to occupy a similar capacity at Merseyside Maritime Museum. Later he carried out early work at the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port, specialising in canal and inland waterway craft. His work there formed the basis for his later work of writing about these subjects which he took up on a full-time basis upon leaving Ellesmere Port. Edward was noted for his vast knowledge of waterways matters and write extensively on the subject, becoming the acknowledged authority on these matters. He published numerous books, including his magnum opus the Illustrated History of Canals and River Navigations which has become the ‘bible’ for all those working in this field. He also published British Canal and River Craft, another authoritative volume, and worked with Fred Schofield on Humber Keels and Keelmen. He was also a talented artist, producing vast numbers of drawings and paintings of canal craft and his other love, railways. He wrote for several magazines and produced pictures for many public and private customers, including the Ffestiniog Railway, for whom he painted a Christmas card for a number of years.

Edward was always very supportive of other writers and was instrumental in persuading me to write Severn Traders. Indeed he had planned to write his own history of the Severn trow and it was characteristic that, once he heard that I was interested in doing so, gave me a synopsis of his thoughts on the subject, giving constant encouragement during the writing and, indeed, writing a Foreword to the book.

My visits to Edward in his writing shed, stuffed with books and papers, were always a delight and I shall grievously miss those visits. Edward was one of Nature’s gentlemen; there are not a lot left and his demise has left a gap in maritime history which will not be easily filled.

From Colin Green

Edited July 6, 2015 by Ray T

[fittie]

. Then a top cloth or tippet, would be along and over the top planks to make a waterproof cover for the goods in the hold.

 

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

I thought that the top cloths was different from the tippet which goes on top of the top cloths or have I got this wrong too?

[pete harrison]

They're called stretchers and keep the sides of the boat parallel, in combination with an adjustable chain, particularly when loaded with a dense cargo (which doesn't push on the sides). Tighten the chain until the stretcher fits well.

 

They can be removed so that long tubes / poles can be loaded.

I think this is yet another example where people have different opinions depending upon where they are from, their boating background and who they have boated with.

 

I have always called the wooden planks that go across the hold 'Beams'. These 'Beams' support the Box Mast and 'Stands', and there is often an additional 'Beam' under the 'Cratch' and at least one but often two at the back end of the cabin.

 

I have always called the wooden square section (about 4'' x 4'') planks that go across the hold 'Stretchers'. These 'Stretchers' are located at midway points between the 'Beams' and I usually associate 'Stretchers' of this description with wooden boats (but not always).

 

As a boy growing up on the B.C.N. I worked quite a lot with Day Boats. Most of these had either three or five fixed 'Beams' across the hold, and these were also called 'Stretchers'.

 

I have always called the wooden planks that run the length of the hold 'Top Planks' or just 'Planks'.

 

It appears that my thoughts are similar to those illustrated above, but I first saw this illustration about 5 years ago.

 

I thought that the top cloths was different from the tippet which goes on top of the top cloths or have I got this wrong too?

There is usually three top cloths which go over the 'Top Planks' from gunwale to gunwale, and cover the hold from cabin to cratch. Walking along the 'Top Planks' when clothed up would wear out the centre of top cloths so this is protected by a narrow strip of similar canvas layed on top of the top cloth and is called a 'Tippet'.

[Derek R.]

 

I thought that the top cloths was different from the tippet which goes on top of the top cloths or have I got this wrong too?

 

No, you've probably got that right.

[archie57]

I think this is yet another example where people have different opinions depending upon where they are from, their boating background and who they have boated with.

 

I have always called the wooden planks that go across the hold 'Beams'. These 'Beams' support the Box Mast and 'Stands', and there is often an additional 'Beam' under the 'Cratch' and at least one but often two at the back end of the cabin.

 

I have always called the wooden square section (about 4'' x 4'') planks that go across the hold 'Stretchers'. These 'Stretchers' are located at midway points between the 'Beams' and I usually associate 'Stretchers' of this description with wooden boats (but not always).

 

As a boy growing up on the B.C.N. I worked quite a lot with Day Boats. Most of these had either three or five fixed 'Beams' across the hold, and these were also called 'Stretchers'.

 

I have always called the wooden planks that run the length of the hold 'Top Planks' or just 'Planks'.

 

It appears that my thoughts are similar to those illustrated above, but I first saw this illustration about 5 years ago.

 

There is usually three top cloths which go over the 'Top Planks' from gunwale to gunwale, and cover the hold from cabin to cratch. Walking along the 'Top Planks' when clothed up would wear out the centre of top cloths so this is protected by a narrow strip of similar canvas layed on top of the top cloth and is called a 'Tippet'.

 

 

I'm reluctant to disagree with Pete, but as regards number of topcloths are concerned four rings a bell, with two tippets on top.........

[pete harrison]

I'm reluctant to disagree with Pete, but as regards number of topcloths are concerned four rings a bell, with two tippets on top.........

You are probably correct 'archie57' as it is a very long time since I clothed up a boat. I might be thinking of three loose top cloths - plus the one that forms part of the cratch (deckboard to mast).

Edited July 6, 2015 by pete harrison

[X Alan W]

You are probably correct 'archie57' as it is a very long time since I clothed up a boat. I might be thinking of three loose top cloths - plus the one that forms part of the cratch (deckboard to mast).

I would think it depends on area/supplier When my boat was first fitted out I had 3 top & 2 tippets when I had to get replacements the set I received consisted of 4top & 3 tippets they were of smaller dimensions length wise& were easier to handle (more so when wet)

[archie57]

One of Jim Payler's photos from Blisworth website -

http://www.blisworth.org.uk/images/Payler%20Albums/GUCCCBW/BW%2009%20Motor%20Malus%20on%20the%20Arm-.jpg

[Ray T]

Ten minutes 14 secs in shows a pair being sheeted up.

 

 

This shows the Tippet running the whole length of the top planks on this boat, not saying they are all like that.

 

Film from:

Inland Waterways 1950 Beulah Library Roll F21 via YouTube, available to all in case I fall foul of the Copyright Police again for not giving credit where it is due.

Edited July 7, 2015 by Ray T

[alan_fincher]

Film from:

Inland Waterways 1950 Beulah Library Roll F21 via YouTube, available to all in case I fall foul of the Copyright Police again for not giving credit where it is due.

 

 

Non intended to have a go at you Ray of course, and as you say this film is "freely available" there.

 

My understanding, though, is that it should not be, and it has been put there without permission.

[Ray T]

 

Non intended to have a go at you Ray of course, and as you say this film is "freely available" there.

 

My understanding, though, is that it should not be, and it has been put there without permission.

 

but Beulah appear to have posted these films themselves:

 

Inland Waterways 1950 Beulah Library Roll F21

Beulah22

Published on 23 Oct 2012

35mm film made in 1950 following the passage of a narrow boat and butty from London to Birmingham along the Grand Union Canal

 

Viewers are invited to e-mail details of location and/or people featured in this clip to viewer@eavb.co.uk

 

Beulah - Music, movies, ringtones, photos

Beulah22

Published on 18 Jan 2014

Beulah publish music downloads, mainly classical , brass and military, have a range of wacky ringtones, run a stock shot and picture library and this You Tube channel

Edited July 7, 2015 by Ray T

[Laurence Hogg]

 

 

but Beulah appear to have posted these films themselves:

 

Inland Waterways 1950 Beulah Library Roll F21

Beulah22

Published on 23 Oct 2012

35mm film made in 1950 following the passage of a narrow boat and butty from London to Birmingham along the Grand Union Canal

 

Viewers are invited to e-mail details of location and/or people featured in this clip to viewer@eavb.co.uk

 

Beulah - Music, movies, ringtones, photos

Beulah22

Published on 18 Jan 2014

Beulah publish music downloads, mainly classical , brass and military, have a range of wacky ringtones, run a stock shot and picture library and this You Tube channel

 

 

Before he left Simon Salem was "on the case" with the BW owned films. I understand now its with CRT lawyers. Certainly he was sure Beulah had no rights he knew of.

[Derek R.]

So, how does one go about obtaining such films legitimately? Because if there is no way, then more power to the likes of Beulah for making them available. Why keep such things under lock and key and coveted, what purpose does that serve?

 

Does CRT really want spend fortunes on legal battles over copyright of something that has been available and in the public domain for so long?

[Ray T]

Derek, have a greenie.

[Mike Tee]

A link to this film has been put via this forum before - however, last time I looked at it , it did not have 'Beulah' and a clock running on it. Cannot remember who put the link up, but I'm sure it was on here.