how long is a barge pole

[dylanwinter]

I have just finished editing the last film from the Alde - I took the slug all the way to the top of the navigation at Snape. I was told that the barge men would usually have to pole their vessels the last mile or so because of the way the river snakes around so much

and it got me thinking about a barge pole.... was there a standrad size. how much did they weigh and was there a button on the end to stop them sinking into the mud

Dylan

 

[colvic987]

according to wiki a quant pole (barge pole), is about 4 metres.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quant_pole

 

[dylanwinter]

I did look at that

but its my guess that a 4m long pole would not cut the mustard when it comes to thames barges

the bit about a hook on the end to stop it sinking into the mud makes no sense either

Dylan

 

[fisherman]

"I should let go of the quant... Too late... We'll try and get back to you!!!"

From 'The Art of Coarse Sailing'.

In which the 'Bodger' after a collision put down on the form under 'cause of collision?' 'act of God' and later received a letter firmly addressed to 'Mr. God'

 

[Seajet]

I'd suggest the hook is so that it may be used as a boat-hook at close quarters, the button on the other end both as something to push with the palm of the hand and a grip for retrieval.

Of course normally a quant is released from the mud with a twisting motion at the end of the movement.

 

[skpt]

not as long as a piece of string

 

[Chrusty 1]

"how long is a barge pole?".............Twice the distance from the end to the middle, surprisingly, that is also the length of a piece of string!

Chrusty.

I have just finished editing the last film from the Alde - I took the slug all the way to the top of the navigation at Snape. I was told that the barge men would usually have to pole their vessels the last mile or so because of the way the river snakes around so much

and it got me thinking about a barge pole.... was there a standrad size. how much did they weigh and was there a button on the end to stop them sinking into the mud

Dylan

 

[Poignard]

I refer my honourable friend to the answer I gave earlier (on another forum!)

From 'Spritsail Barges of Thames and Medway' by Edgar J. March:

" For working up creeks and shallow rivers, a setting boom, 25 to 28 ft. long, with a toe-piece to prevent its going too far into the mud, is dropped over the side, the mate gets his shoulder on the other end and walks the barge along - punting on a gigantic scale."

and:

"Setting Booms: 25 to 28 ft. long, 2 in. diam., at 10 in. from lower end is an arm, 18 in. long, projecting 5 in."

Plate 23 shows one being used by the mate on Gertrude May and there is a sketch of one on page 81, together with one of a sweep.

 

[ChrisHanley]

barge pole

I don't wish to boast but mine is 6.1 metres in length.

It came complete with a 23 metre sailing barge which I have had it for over ten years.

There is a foot on the bottom end of the barge pole which reduces mud sink-age and also gives a more positive purchase against quay sides when acting as a bow thruster (chance would be a fine thing...)

The top end does not have a button though, it is just slightly tapered to reduce weight.

The button or in this case a nice round wooden ball on the blunt end of the 3.5 metre boat hook.

I think the length depends upon
1. how big your boat is and therefore where you can stow it.
2. The free-board of your vessel i.e the distance from you to the waterline and
3. What are you going to be using it for, are you expecting your wife to be fending off while you issue commands from the helm?

yours,
Chris Hanley

 

[Herringchoker]

40 foot

Is it possible that a barge pole could be 40 foot long?

As in the common phrase used when getting advice on the purchase of an old boat.

''Wouldn't touch it with a 40 foot barge pole''

On second thoughts maybe it was a pole off a 40 foot barge!

 

[Poignard]

... a 23 metre sailing barge which I have had it for over ten years.

I don't know about anyone else here but I would like to know more about your barge and, if possible, see some photos.

It would make a nice change from pictures of dreary plastic boats.

 

[skpt]

I remember seeing a few years back on tv,possibly coast, a lighterman move a barge with 2 or 3 in tow on the thames with only a barge pole. He didn't appear to be punting but using it more to steer and rely on the tide. Perhaps size didn't matter so much but knowledge and technique more important.

 

[dylanwinter]

6m sounds about right

I don't wish to boast but mine is 6.1 metres in length.

It came complete with a 23 metre sailing barge which I have had it for over ten years.

There is a foot on the bottom end of the barge pole which reduces mud sink-age and also gives a more positive purchase against quay sides when acting as a bow thruster (chance would be a fine thing...)

The top end does not have a button though, it is just slightly tapered to reduce weight.

The button or in this case a nice round wooden ball on the blunt end of the 3.5 metre boat hook.

I think the length depends upon
1. how big your boat is and therefore where you can stow it.
2. The free-board of your vessel i.e the distance from you to the waterline and
3. What are you going to be using it for, are you expecting your wife to be fending off while you issue commands from the helm?

yours,
Chris Hanley

anything longer wuld be too heavy to lift - anything smaller and it would not be any good

thanks Chris

Dylan