Another Titanic Lifeboat question

In the interest of full disclosure I just got another photo from one of my Titanic friends. This apparently shows the function of the "handles". They were used to hold the canvas boat cover support spar. Here's the link to the photo:
http://webpages.charter.net/bpread/photos/Canvas_Spar.jpg

Now, here's the rub. In my previous post I asked about the
wooden structures on the aft thwart. I was told they were chocks to hold the mast in place to keep it from rolling. It is now clear that the mast could not be stowed on the centerline with these cover spar supports in place because they too are in the midline. Is it possible that the "chocks" were actually to hold the boat compass in place? If they were actually to keep the mast from rolling, is it possible that the mast was normally stowed on the side of the boat while covered then moved to the center between these chocks after lowereing so that they would not inhibit seating on the sides of the boat?
Would these chocks then only be used if the mast were not raised?

Regards,
Bob Read
 
Two thoughts occur.

A. securing points for oars and spars when not in use.

B. securing points for a manrope. ie a taut line from forward toaft for survivors to hang onto or belay themselves to.

regards

David
 
Forgot to mention. I've been told that the Titanic also carried collapsible canvas and wood lifeboats anybody know?
 
Titanic carried 14 30ft. main lifeboats, 2 25ft. emergency cutters and four Engelhardt collapsible lifeboats.

Regards,
Bob Read
 
Look at the whaler at the back of the picture. You will see a small strong staff attached to the thwart. I believe these were used to keep the the boats in in tow and could be fitted at the bow as in the 1st thwart or if towing another the line would be held at midships.
These boats were single masted gaff rigged whaler type craft and the foot was to the keel. there could be some link to the midship position but not the one up forward.
 
Bob, Gaff/Luggger! I suppose but the point is there was only one mast so the parts you were questioning are certainly not for the mast. Look again at your photo. The boat at the rear and left adjacent to those in the foreground and you can clearly see what I believe to be a staff for belaying a tow line. Bearing in mind there was no engines on these vessels and they were often towed to their new ship there would have been a neccesity to have three posititions for the staff(s). You are the towing vessel you need the staff in the centre if you are actually steering. If you are being towed it can go at the forward end and if you are in a chain and not steering it can go aft.
This is just an assumption looking at you photo? I hope you get the answers.
Regards.

Peter.
 
[ QUOTE ]
In my previous post I asked about the
wooden structures on the aft thwart. I was told they were chocks to hold the mast in place to keep it from rolling. It is now clear that the mast could not be stowed on the centerline with these cover spar supports in place because they too are in the midline. Is it possible that the "chocks" were actually to hold the boat compass in place? If they were actually to keep the mast from rolling, is it possible that the mast was normally stowed on the side of the boat while covered then moved to the center between these chocks after lowereing so that they would not inhibit seating on the sides of the boat?
Would these chocks then only be used if the mast were not raised?

Regards,
Bob Read

[/ QUOTE ]

Look at the first photo in this thread - bottom left are 2 men standing in one of the lifeboats. You can see clearly the function of the thwart chocks where spars and oars have been returned to the central stowed position. Yes oars are heaped on one of the side seats, but this is presumably soon after the rescue, and they would not normally be left like that.

Consider a crowded lifeboat being launched if the oars and spars were not chocked off - they were hefty enough to to cause damage and injury to unwary passengers if they were loose and rolling around - so chocks are provided to prevent that.
 
Bob,

Just had anothe idea! If the fitting allows short poles to be fitted as in the boat shown with a short pole at the mid ships position then all 3 could be fitted similary. They could have been used for the canvas boat covers to keep water out during the voyage. A bit like small tent poles?

Regards.

Peter.
 
I knew ww would get there in the end. Well done and great picture!
I really enjoyed Bob's question.

Regards.

peter.
 
I hate to say it but Bob had already posted the picture on this thread, so I can't claim credit for it! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I keep wondering if the lifeboats needed to be reinforced to allow for the weight when being lowered from davits whilst fully loaded?

I agree. An interesting thread.
 
I agree with Richard_P, who responded to your earlier post. These chocks are for shipping the lifeboat compass. I too was a Merchant Navy cadet (ex-Warsash 1961) and spent many hours at sea on routine checking and replacing of lifeboat stores. I do not remember any specific stowage place for the mast, spars and oars in any lifeboat. They were just bundled together and lightly lashed to the thwarts - usually on the outboard side of the ship. They were relatively light and easy to move around and would not have needed any more secure stowage. I do not remember any specific provision for the securing of towlines, either. Every fitting was extremely simple and basic. Great photographs, by the way. Interesting how many of the boats were recovered from the sea - probably at some risk to the crews of the rescue vessels.
 
A group of in-line light-weight supporting bracers for several sticks? Have you never put an awning up on a small boat to keep out the drizzle or saltspray /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Many of the original sailing boats of c.32 foot on the Broads still use them.The assumption is awning supports while deck-stacked,no? It would be pushing reality to think they were for use in an abandonment.
 
Sorry but you have got me lost!

The thread started on the lines of mast support which i did not believe was true. Eventually I realised that the brackets were there to hold the uprights of a canopy cover when on board and when not in use so that the boats hulls would be dry when needed. What are you talking about abandonment for???
 
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