MDA Waterways Object Name Thesaurus
0-9, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z [Contents]

BACAT barge
Barges designed to work with BACAT ship.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by context>Link to term
NT one hundred and forty ton bargeLink to term
NT three hundred and seventy ton bargeLink to term


BACAT ship
A ship designed to carry 10 x one hundred and forty ton barges and 3 x three hundred and seventy ton barges. BACAT stands for Barge Aboard Catamaran

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by context>Link to term


back band
Wide leather strap across the spine of the horse forming the main support for the trace chains or bobbin traces.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT equine equipmentLink to term
BT equine powered propulsion system componentLink to term


back cabin
A canal narrow boat term describing the cabin at the stern of the boat in which the crew lived.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term


back end rail
A curved metal bar, carrying a sliding metal ring, fitted across the front end of the engineroom of a canal narrow boat, often used to attach mooring lines.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term


back flap
A type of hinge which allows hinged parts to sit back to back with no gap. Used in narrow boat cabins.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT fastenerLink to term
RT table flapLink to term


back stay
A rope or wire running from the head of a mast towards the stern of a vessel to support the mast.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT stayLink to term


bag hook
A single, curved metal hook with a short wooden handle, designed to fit easily in the hand for moving bags or sacks.

UF docker's hookLink to term
UF hand hookLink to term
UF sack hookLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT hookLink to term
NT double bag hookLink to term


bailer
Shallow water container with a short wooden handle; kept on the roof of the stern cabin when not in use beside mop and water can. Sold as bailers for small watercraft from chandlers and adapted for use as 'dippers' on narrow boats. Corn scoops bought from ironmongers also adapted for this use.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL containersLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT boat maintenance equipmentLink to term
RT dipperLink to term


bale boat
Canal flat with a wide deck designed to carry cotton on the Rochdale Canal.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Rochdale flatLink to term


bale hook
A mechanical device with two points which is used with chains for lifting bales.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT hookLink to term


ballard
A type of ice breaking boat invented by Stephen Ballard in 1838 on the Hereford and Gloucester Canal. It involved a shovel type device being used to break the ice from below.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT ice breakerLink to term


bank boat

USE puntLink to term


bank tub
A floating box with sliding seat and outrigger tethered to the bank and used for technique coaching.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT training craftLink to term


Bantock boat
Boat with iron sides wooden bottoms but also single wooden side strake built up from the bottoms.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Birmingham day boatLink to term


barge
A craft with a boat shaped bow and with flat (transom) rounded or pointed sterns. Almost all 14 feet wide or wider, the length can vary considerably.

UF wide boatLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT cargo vesselLink to term
NT barges designed to work in multiple unitsLink to term
NT float (boat)Link to term
NT keel (boat)Link to term
NT Lancaster Canal boatLink to term
NT Leeds and Liverpool craftLink to term
NT lighterLink to term
NT luff bargeLink to term
NT Mersey bargeLink to term
NT Mersey flatLink to term
NT Norfolk wherryLink to term
NT North Eastern bargeLink to term
NT River Severn craftLink to term
NT Scottish bargeLink to term
NT Thames bargeLink to term
NT western bargeLink to term
RT narrow boatLink to term
NT toe railLink to term


barge pole
Pole used for propelling or fending off a barge by pushing with the pole against a fixed point. Could have a variety of ends. Has a thicker diameter than a boat shaft.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT human powered propulsion system componentLink to term
RT quantLink to term
NT rypekLink to term


barge pot

USE Measham teapotLink to term


barges designed to work in multiple units
Use a more specific term.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT bargeLink to term
NT Fen lighterLink to term
NT gang lighterLink to term
NT Stour lighterLink to term


bargeware

USE Measham teapotLink to term


Barnsley keel
Variation of the Humber keel, trading to Barnsley. Size 70ft x 14ft 6 inches.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Humber keelLink to term


barrel pump
A pump designed to fit into the bung hole of a barrel and pump it out.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT pumpLink to term


Basingstoke barge
Like Wey Barges they were non-sailing Thames barges, 72ft 6in x 13ft 10in and carrying 80 tons on the River Thames, 50 tons on the Canal, less above Basingstoke. The last barge was built in 1935 ceasing trading in 1967. There were two main types 'odd'ns' used for day work with no cabin and 'reso's' with a cabin.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Thames bargeLink to term


bastard boat
Barge size but constructed in the style of narrow boats,a general term but specifically applied to the type operated on the Bridgewater Canal, Rochdale Canal and the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT miscellaneous cargo craft typesLink to term


BCN boat

USE Birmingham day boatLink to term


BCN boat number plate
Metal plate, indicating the gauging number of a craft on the BCN (Birmingham Canal Navigations). Early examples are oval with chiselled numbers from iron plate. Later examples in cast iron, three designs.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat plateLink to term


beam (narrow boat)
Thick wooden planks 11 inches wide by 2 inches, set across the width of the hull of a narrow boat at gunwhale level to provide rigidity to the hull. They have cut out slots and notches to support the stands and mast.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT girder chainLink to term
NT mastLink to term
NT running planksLink to term
NT standLink to term


beater

USE maulLink to term


bed hole
A cupboard space in a canal narrow boat cabin having a door which drops down to a horizontal position to form the base of a bed in the cabin.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term


bellows
Instruments or machines that produce a strong current of air by expansion or contraction of an air chamber, usually used to fan a fire in a hearth.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT blacksmith's equipmentLink to term
BT founding equipmentLink to term
BT heating equipmentLink to term


belly band
Narrow leather strap with buckle fastener fitting under the ribcage of the horse, preventing the back band from lifting.

UF girth strapLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT equine equipmentLink to term
BT equine powered propulsion system componentLink to term


below decks watercraft component
Not to be used for indexing. Use a more specific term. The top edge of the highest deck on the vessel is the division between above and below decks.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT <watercraft component by context>Link to term
NT apron (boat component)Link to term
NT beltingLink to term
NT bilge plateLink to term
NT bilgesLink to term
NT bosom barLink to term
NT bottom boardLink to term
NT bulkheadLink to term
NT buttstrapLink to term
NT carlingLink to term
NT coffin plateLink to term
NT deadwoodLink to term
NT floorLink to term
NT frameLink to term
NT futtocksLink to term
NT groundsLink to term
NT guard ironLink to term
NT gussetLink to term
NT hatchesLink to term
NT hogLink to term
NT holdLink to term
NT ice platesLink to term
NT keel (boat component)Link to term
NT keel barLink to term
NT keelsonLink to term
NT kneeLink to term
NT long boardLink to term
NT mast stepLink to term
NT oxter plateLink to term
NT pillarLink to term
NT plank (boat component)Link to term
NT pump boxLink to term
NT ribLink to term
NT rudderLink to term
NT shearingLink to term
NT shell plateLink to term
NT shuttsLink to term
NT skin plankLink to term
NT slideLink to term
NT stealerLink to term
NT stem barLink to term
NT stem ironLink to term
NT stempostLink to term
NT stern cupboardLink to term
NT sternpostLink to term
NT stopwaterLink to term
NT strakeLink to term
NT T pumpLink to term
NT thwartLink to term
NT tumblehomeLink to term


belt
Flexible straps or bands generally encircling the waist or hips or passing over the shoulder and usually having some type of fastener, such as a buckle; worn for decoration, support, or to carry such items as weapons, tools, or money.

CL costumeLink to hierachy
NT spiders web beltLink to term


belting
The timber guard strips attached to larger vessels at deck level to protect from impact and abrasion.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term


bench shears
Large shears used in sheet metal work typically having one handle bent to go into a hole in the top of the workbench so that they rest on the surface when in use.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT metalworking equipmentLink to term


bending block
A large iron casting punctured with square or round holes. On it vessels' frames are bent to shape, following the curve of the set iron, the frames are held by dogs, and the holes allow any shape to be manipulated. The frame bending is done by sledge or pneumatic hammers working on red-hot metal.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term
RT angle furnaceLink to term


bent iron
A caulking iron with a bend in it, used for reaching places that a straight iron cannot reach.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT caulking ironLink to term


berthing tug
Manoeuvrable vessel used to put larger ships onto the correct berth or to turn them in small waterways.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT tugLink to term


best and best punt
A single racing punt.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT racing puntLink to term


best boat
Developed from the earlier wager boat. Lightweight with just sufficient room for a single occupant. Most best boats were of semicircular section, without a proper keel but with a type of fin placed aft of the sculler. The interior ends were lined with waterproof silk. After 1873 there was a sliding seat and full outriggers.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT competitive craftLink to term
BT human powered boatLink to term
RT wagerLink to term
NT whiffLink to term


bevel
A tool marking a fixed angle other than 90 degrees.

UF bevel gaugeLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT measuring equipmentLink to term
NT boatbuilder's bevelLink to term


bevel board
Used in wooden boatbuilding. Has the angle of bevel of each frame of the boat marked on it.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term
BT measuring equipmentLink to term


bevel gauge

USE bevelLink to term


bib

USE apron (costume)Link to term


bilge plate
Metal shell plate on a vessel which joins the sides to the bottom, often curved.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term


bilge pump
Pump used to remove water from the bilges of a boat. Usually consisting of a long cylinder with a hand operated plunger.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT pumpLink to term
RT bilgesLink to term


bilges
The lowest part of the internal spaces of a vessel, usually below the hold ceiling and cabin floor into which all leakage and rain water drains.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT bilge pumpLink to term
NT sounding rodLink to term


billy boy
Similar to keels in construction but much larger. Billy boys traded all over the North Sea and had more developed sailing rigs than both sloops and keels. Often clinker built in construction.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT keel (boat)Link to term


binnacle

USE ship's binnacleLink to term


Birkenhead flat
Used on the Mersey but not on the Bridgewater Canal as they were too big to go up Runcorn locks.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT canal flatLink to term


Birmingham Canals tub boat
A British Waterways experimental design of 1957. Capacity up to 4 tons.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT tub boatLink to term


Birmingham day boat
Double ended and either open or with a simple cabin they retain the simplicity of design of the original Worsley mine boats. Built in wood, iron or steel or a combination they vary in size and capacity according to builder, company or cargo specification. The maximum size of a day boat using locks was 71ft 6in x 7ft 2in and loading 40 tons on a draught of 3ft 10in.

UF BCN boatLink to term
UF joey boatLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT narrow boatLink to term
NT Bantock boatLink to term
NT box cabin boatLink to term
NT double enderLink to term
NT Hampton boatLink to term
NT hotholerLink to term
NT round sterned day boatLink to term
NT Rowley raggerLink to term
NT station boat (Birmingham)Link to term
NT tube boatLink to term
RT open boatLink to term
NT open day boatLink to term


bit
An interchangeable tool used chiefly for boring holes, designed to be fitted into a brace. They fit into the brace with either a short, square tapered tang or have a flat tang for insertion into a wooden pad or the foot of a wooden brace.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT drilling equipmentLink to term
RT shipwright's braceLink to term


bittern
A class of sailing dinghies 11.5 feet long, designed for the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads by Leslie Landamore.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT recreational craftLink to term
BT sail propelled boatLink to term


bitts
Pairs of posts on the deck of a ship for fastening mooring lines or cables.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT ship's equipmentLink to term


black boat
Refers to Thomas Clayton day boats not painted in the usual red, yellow and green livery.

USE tanker boatLink to term


black sailed trader

USE Norfolk wherryLink to term


blacksmith's equipment
Equipment used as part of a blacksmith's regular work. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT forming and shaping equipmentLink to term
BT metalworking equipmentLink to term
NT anvilLink to term
NT bellowsLink to term
NT branding ironLink to term
NT cold chiselLink to term
NT cold setLink to term
NT flattenerLink to term
NT fullerLink to term
NT hardieLink to term
NT hot chiselLink to term
NT hot setLink to term
NT leg viceLink to term
NT mandrelLink to term
NT nail headerLink to term
NT portable forgeLink to term
NT round punchLink to term
NT set hammerLink to term
NT square punchLink to term
NT swageLink to term
NT swage blockLink to term
NT tue ironLink to term


blinkers
Leather eye shades forming part of the headgear of the horse to prevent distraction by restricting vision to forwards only. Often decorated with brass with company name.

UF winkersLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT equine equipmentLink to term
BT equine powered propulsion system componentLink to term


blopping board
Board fitted from the coaming top to the gunwhale of keels to enable stones to be slid over the side.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT cargo handling system componentLink to term
RT coamingLink to term
NT gunwhaleLink to term


blue top
A narrow boat with blue fibreglass hold covers Originally River class boats but some other narrow boats used the blue top hold covers and were refered to under the overall name.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by hold covering>Link to term
BT narrow boatLink to term
RT river class boatLink to term


blunt iron

USE making ironLink to term


boat equipment
Covers equipment found primarily on craft designed for use on inland waterways. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT <tools and equipment by context>Link to term
NT anchorLink to term
NT bailerLink to term
NT barge poleLink to term
NT bilge pumpLink to term
NT boat hook (attachment)Link to term
NT boat lighting equipmentLink to term
NT boat plateLink to term
NT boat shaftLink to term
NT bollardLink to term
NT bottle stoveLink to term
NT cabin blockLink to term
NT cabin mopLink to term
NT cabin stoolLink to term
NT coal boxLink to term
NT crochet laceLink to term
NT dipperLink to term
NT fenderLink to term
NT hand bowlLink to term
NT handspikeLink to term
NT oarLink to term
NT paddleLink to term
NT rally plaqueLink to term
NT ribbon plateLink to term
NT ropeworkLink to term
NT runnerLink to term
NT shackleLink to term
NT stowerLink to term
NT stropLink to term
NT water barrelLink to term
NT windlassLink to term


boat hook (attachment)
A hooked metal implement which fits onto the end of a shaft to form a boat hook (shaft).

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
RT boat hook (shaft)Link to term


boat hook (shaft)
A boat shaft with a hooked end (sometimes a double hook) or a spike.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat shaftLink to term
NT handy billyLink to term
RT boat hook (attachment)Link to term


boat jack
Special jack used in boatyards to raise inland waterways craft.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term
BT lifting equipmentLink to term


boat lighting equipment
Lighting devices used on inland waterways craft having a vessel to contain the source of illumination, such as grease or oil; also those that have a separate energy source to which they are connected, such as gas or electricity. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
NT cabin lampLink to term
NT engine room lampLink to term
NT globe lampLink to term
NT tunnel lampLink to term


boat maintenance equipment
Equipment used in the ongoing maintenance of inland waterways craft. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT maintenance and repairing equipmentLink to term
NT bailerLink to term


boat plate
An identifying plate with a name or number, used on inland waterways craft.

UF boat registration plateLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
NT BCN boat number plateLink to term
NT Glamorganshire Canal boat number plateLink to term
NT Thames boat number plateLink to term


boat registration plate

USE boat plateLink to term


boat repair equipment
Equipment and materials used for remedial repair work on inland waterways craft. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT maintenance and repairing equipmentLink to term
NT caulking equipmentLink to term
NT chalicoLink to term
NT pitchLink to term
NT tarLink to term


boat shaft
Shaft used on canal narrow boats for pushing off, hooking on or propelling the vessel. Of smaller diameter than a barge pole.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
NT boat hook (shaft)Link to term
NT cabin shaftLink to term


boat weighing machine
Three such machines were built to weigh loaded boats as part of the gauging process. They worked as inverted weighbridges.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT weighing equipmentLink to term


boatbuilder's adze

USE shipwright's adzeLink to term


boatbuilder's bevel
A straight stock with an adjustable blade which can be set as required for testing and setting out workpieces to an angle. A boatbuilder's bevel usually has a hardwood stock, approx 12 inches long and has a long and a short blade slotted in at either end.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT bevelLink to term
BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term


boatbuilder's chisel
A strong all iron chisel with a parallel blade from 0.75 to 2 inches wide.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term
BT shipwright's chiselLink to term


boatbuilder's cramp
A large G cramp, often sold as coachbuilder's cramps but in common usage in boatyards.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term


boatbuilding equipment
Equipment in common use when constructing inland waterways craft. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT construction equipmentLink to term
NT angle furnaceLink to term
NT bending blockLink to term
NT bevel boardLink to term
NT boat jackLink to term
NT boatbuilder's bevelLink to term
NT boatbuilder's chiselLink to term
NT boatbuilder's crampLink to term
NT bostocksLink to term
NT carpenter's adzeLink to term
NT caulking equipmentLink to term
NT futtock sawLink to term
NT game blockLink to term
NT gougeLink to term
NT pitch ladleLink to term
NT pitch mopLink to term
NT plate furnaceLink to term
NT rove bunterLink to term
NT sawLink to term
NT scrieve boardLink to term
NT shearing hammerLink to term
NT tar boilerLink to term
NT timber dogLink to term
NT tupLink to term


boatman's belt

USE spiders web beltLink to term


boatwoman's bonnet
Elaborate bonnet adapted from design of other working women's bonnets in mid Nineteenth Century. Made from cotton fabric with stiff brims formed by rows of corded quilting and with the main part of the bonnet formed by alternate rows of frilled tucks. A horse shoe shaped piece of material shaped it to the back of the head with a 'curtain' of material covering the neck. Sometimes edged with crochet lace and streamers of fabric. Had strings so that it could be tied under the chin. Also worn by children (less elaborate.)

CL costumeLink to hierachy


bobbin
Spherical or barrel shaped roller threaded onto a ring used to assist the travel of booms or gaffs up and down masts.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT mast and spar componentLink to term
RT boomLink to term
NT gaffLink to term
NT mastLink to term


bobbins
Spherical or barrel shaped hard wood rollers, threaded onto traces to prevent rubbing on the horse's flanks and to prevent damage to the harness from bridges.

UF rollersLink to term
UF spolesLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT equine equipmentLink to term
BT equine powered propulsion system componentLink to term


body drag
Three hooks joined together on a bar used to drag bodies out of the canal.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT holding and gripping equipmentLink to term


bollard
A short post on a deck or on a waterside (usually metal), used for securing ropes.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT docking equipmentLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term
NT bollard cleatLink to term
NT ship's bollardLink to term


bollard cleat
A T shaped bollard which removes the need to use a knot.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT bollardLink to term
BT docking equipmentLink to term


bolt
Small metal rods used as fastener, having a head and often helical threading and being usually secured by a nut or riveting.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT fastenerLink to term
NT deck boltLink to term
NT eye boltLink to term


bolt rope
Rope which is sewn all around the edge of a sail.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT sail componentLink to term


boning rod
A T shaped stake used when sighting levels and falls in excavations.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT surveying equipmentLink to term


boom
Long spar of wood or metal, usually circular in cross section, to which the lower edge of the sail is fastened.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT mast and spar componentLink to term
RT bobbinLink to term
NT sparLink to term


boomie
Vessels related to Thames barges but with booms, a rig designed for larger sea passages. Nearly all were large barges based on East coast ports schooners with the bottoms cut off.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Thames bargeLink to term


bosom bar
Steel bar, often angle, used to both join and reinforce the joint - usually in the chine and gunwhale angles on narrow boats.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term


bostocks
Used to support a narrow boat on a slipway. Approximately 9 feet long, placed across the bottoms at the fore end and stern. Have a rounded foot resting on a block.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term


bottle screw

USE rigging screwLink to term


bottle stove
Bottle-shaped cast iron stove widely used for heating in stern cabins of narrow boats; were eventually replaced by a patent heating and cooking range with side ovens.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT heating equipmentLink to term


bottom board
Wooden board used as the bottom of a narrow boat, usually laid across the width of the boat ('athwartships').

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
NT cross boardLink to term
RT tupLink to term


bottom fuller
A shaping tool, triangular in shape but with a blunt edge for reducing the thickness of the metal when struck. A bottom fuller would be inserted into an anvil for use in conjunction with a top fuller.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT fullerLink to term


bottom swage
A swage fitted into the anvil to shape metal from below.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT swageLink to term


bow fender
Intricately made rope stem fender used on West Country boats or an intricately made rope stem fender for Yorkshire keels.

UF brighouse fenderLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT fenderLink to term


bow hauled boat
A boat that is bow hauled is pulled by a person.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by propulsion>Link to term
BT human powered boatLink to term


box boat
Box Boats are open, single ended craft 68ft x7ft carrying coal in boxes. Some were built with small day cabins. Variations included a shortened 60ft length for the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal. Some boats ran without boxes to carry other cargoes.All but one were unpowered.

UF starverLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT narrow boatLink to term


box cabin boat
A day boat with a cabin.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Birmingham day boatLink to term
BT <craft by accommodation>Link to term


box mast
Complete assembly including a towing mast and mast box.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
BT equine powered propulsion system componentLink to term
RT mast pinLink to term
NT top mastLink to term


boxed trow
Like an open moulded trow but with bulkheads and the sides of the cargo space raised to the height of the fore and aft bulwarks and the cargo space part covered with raised side decks, leaving a central hatch that was covered by boards and sheets.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT trowLink to term
BT <trow by hull type>Link to term


brail
Rope which gathers up a sail to furl it.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT rigging componentLink to term
RT brail winchLink to term


brail winch
Hand or mechanically driven drum to gather up the brail rope.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT rigging componentLink to term
RT brailLink to term


branding iron
Applied hot (heated in a fire) to a wooden object to burn an impression.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT blacksmith's equipmentLink to term
BT marking equipmentLink to term


branding stamp
Applied with a hammer to wooden or metal objects, has sharp points to make an impression.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT marking equipmentLink to term


breaker
Wooden water barrel for fresh drinking water mounted horizontally in a stand. Kept on deck. Fitted with draw off cock or with large plug at top to allow water to be removed with ladle.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT ship's equipmentLink to term
RT water barrelLink to term


breasting hook

USE tunnel hookLink to term


breeching strings
A term used by Oxford Canal boaters.

USE knee stringsLink to term


bricklayer's flat
An unpowered low sided boat usually with a cabin for tools used for canal maintenance.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT work flatLink to term


Bridgewater flat
Adaptation of the Mersey flat made for the owners and operators of the Bridgewater Canal, not a boat that a family would have lived aboard.

UF Duker flatLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT canal flatLink to term


Bridgwater barge

USE Parrett bargeLink to term


Bridgwater flatner


bridle
System of head and face straps, forming attachment for the reins and bit. Incorportaes the blinkers.

UF head gearLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT equine equipmentLink to term
BT equine powered propulsion system componentLink to term


brighouse fender

USE bow fenderLink to term


Bristol Avon trow

USE Bristol bargeLink to term


Bristol barge
A wooden sailing vessel, related to a trow, with a single mast, particularly used in the stone trade of the Avon Gorge.

UF Bristol Avon trowLink to term
UF stone bargeLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT River Severn craftLink to term


broad boat
Alternative term used for Yorkshire keels to distinguish them from narrow boats.

USE Yorkshire keelLink to term


Brunner

USE Weaver packetLink to term


Buckby can

USE watercanLink to term


bucket dredger
A dredger with a continuous chain of scoops working in a central well.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT dredgerLink to term


Bude Canal tub boat
Tub boats 20ft x 5ft 6in x 2ft 9in carrying 4 or 5 tons. The majority were rectangular but a pointed bow was provided to lead each train which were steered by handspike from the second vessel. Bude Canal tub boats were provided with wheels to move them over the canal's inclines.

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bulkhead
A vertical partition separating compartments on a vessel.

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bulkhead light
A lamp or lighting device fastened to a bulkhead, usually on a vessel.

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bullseye
A hemispherical glass lens often fitted to the roof of a narrow boat.

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bunker lamp
Specialised oil lamp for illumination inside coal bunkers, boilers and between double hulls. Tinsmith made cone shaped oil reservoir with round wick burner in spout. Hanger hook of wire for suspension from pipes etc.

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Burnturk tub boat
Tubs carrying from 2 to 10 tons, bow hauled from the bank.

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Burton Boat Company Canal boat
The 1795 Staffordshire Register of Boats records boats specific to this waterway which linked the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

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button
Leather or plastic sheath to prevent it slipping through the crutches; adjustable on modern oars.

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buttstrap
A metal plate which both joins and reinforces the join between a number of shell plates on a metal vessel. Usually of riveted construction.

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butty boat
An unpowered or 'dumb' narrow boat pulled by a motor narrow boat.

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butty tiller
The curved wooden lever fitted to the rudder of an unpowered narrow boat to provide steering leverage.

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