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]

sack beater
Wooden handle with a vertical set head used to beat sacks hardened by wetting (e.g. cement) or by over long pressures (grain, etc.). Beating makes it easier to pick up and move the sacks.

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BT cargo handling equipmentLink to term


sack chute
Inclined or vertical troughs or shafts, for conveying sacks to a lower level.

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BT cargo handling equipmentLink to term


sack hook

USE bag hookLink to term


sack scales
Scales used mostly in warehouses for weighing sacks readied for delivery to cutomers.

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BT cargo weighing equipmentLink to term


sail cloth
Long strips of material (eg. Canvas, nylon, flax) sewn together to make sails.

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BT sail componentLink to term


sail component
Objects and areas that are the components of a sail. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT wind powered propulsion system componentLink to term
NT bolt ropeLink to term
NT clewLink to term
NT cringleLink to term
NT foresailLink to term
NT jibLink to term
NT leechLink to term
NT luffLink to term
NT main courseLink to term
NT main sailLink to term
NT peakLink to term
NT reef pointLink to term
NT sail clothLink to term
NT tack (sail component)Link to term
NT throat (sail component)Link to term
NT top sailLink to term


sail propelled boat
A boat that is designed to be propelled by the use of sail.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by propulsion>Link to term
NT bitternLink to term
NT half raterLink to term
NT Humber sloopLink to term
NT ketch rigged trowLink to term
NT Mersey sailing flatLink to term
NT Norfolk dinghyLink to term
NT Norfolk puntLink to term
NT sailing cruiserLink to term
NT sloop rigged trowLink to term
NT smack rigged trowLink to term
NT square rigged trowLink to term
NT Thames bargeLink to term
NT Thames raterLink to term
NT trowLink to term
NT Waveney One DesignLink to term
NT Yare and Bure One DesignLink to term
NT Yarmouth One DesignLink to term
NT yeomanLink to term


sailing cruiser
A craft permanently fitted with accommodation for overnight stays and primarily used for holidays, privately owned or hired. Fitted with beds or bunks and often with shower or bath. Powered by sail.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT cruiserLink to term
BT sail propelled boatLink to term


sailmaker's awl
Sharp metal points with wood handles; used to make small holes in the sail canvas.

UF prickerLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT piercing equipmentLink to term
BT sailmaking equipmentLink to term


sailmaker's palm
A ring of leather worn around the hand. A metal plate is mounted in it to hold the back of the needle steady when pushing it through tough canvas or rope.

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BT sailmaking equipmentLink to term


sailmaking equipment
Equipment used for making sails. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

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BT construction equipmentLink to term
NT rigger's screwLink to term
NT sailmaker's awlLink to term
NT sailmaker's palmLink to term
NT serving malletLink to term


salvage vessel
A craft specifically designed for the refloating, rescue or removal of other vessels.

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BT service craftLink to term


salvaging equipment
Equipment used for salvaging in an inland waterways context. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

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BT <tools and equipment by process>Link to term
NT grappling ironLink to term


saw
A strip of thin metal with teeth cut along the edge.

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BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term
BT cutting equipmentLink to term
BT shipbuilding equipmentLink to term
BT woodworking equipmentLink to term
NT futtock sawLink to term
NT pit sawLink to term


Scotch boat

USE swift passenger boatLink to term


Scottish barge
Craft designed for Scottish inland waterways. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT bargeLink to term
NT gabbartLink to term
NT outside pufferLink to term
NT rose on pufferLink to term
NT scowLink to term
NT shorehead pufferLink to term
NT Victualling Inshore CraftLink to term


scow
Built for canals of central Scotland. Related to gabbarts but with fuller lines and squarer build to take advantage of stiller canal waters. Double ended with a stern cabin but not family boats. Open holds with hatch boards for perishable goods. Carry 70-80 tons on a draught of 5-6ft.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Scottish bargeLink to term
NT Forth and Clyde scowLink to term
NT steam scowLink to term
NT Union scowLink to term
RT gabbartLink to term


scraper dredger
A dredger pushing materials across the bed of a waterway to a point where it can be removed or flushed away.

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BT dredgerLink to term


scrieve board
The means by which frame shapes are transferred from the measured drawings to the shipyard bending blocks. The board can be a vast blackboard made to the depth and half the beam of the vessel so that the frames can be marked on full size. All the frames can be accommodated, only one side needing to be shown.

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BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term
BT shipbuilding equipmentLink to term


scull
Short oars used in pairs for singles, doubles and quads.

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CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT oarLink to term


scuttle coaming
The raised wall around an opening in the deck of a vessel (a scuttle) to prevent the ingress of water.

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BT coamingLink to term


semi-racer punt
Between 28 and 30 feet long, 2 feet in the beam and 9.5 inches deep. A double racing punt.

UF 2 foot puntLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT competitive craftLink to term
BT human powered boatLink to term
BT racing puntLink to term


service craft
Craft designed to provide a specific service on inland waterways. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by function>Link to term
NT crane bargeLink to term
NT diving support craftLink to term
NT fire fighting vesselLink to term
NT ice breakerLink to term
NT ice clearerLink to term
NT inspection boatLink to term
NT lock lifterLink to term
NT salvage vesselLink to term
NT tenderLink to term
NT Thames Waterman cutterLink to term
NT tugLink to term
NT weed cutting boatLink to term
NT work flatLink to term


serving mallet
A tool used for serving rope, i.e binding a rope with yarn or to protecting a length of rope with close turns of spun yarn. It has a groove 'score' along the top used for 'riding' the rope to be served. Another type has a T-shaped head which is hollowed on one side to bear on the rope. A modern version is made in gunmetal with a hard-wood roller to hold the yarn. The score is held against the rope and the yarn passed over the head and round the handle under the neck of the tool. As the tool is turned round and round the rope, each turn is held taut.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT rope working equipmentLink to term
BT sailmaking equipmentLink to term


set hammer
A round or square faced tool which would be struck to produce a definite square or rounded shape.

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BT blacksmith's equipmentLink to term


set iron
An 'ordinary' caulking iron with either a sharp or blunt fantail blade, used for driving the oakum into the seam.

UF blunt ironLink to term
UF straight ironLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT caulking ironLink to term


Severn barge


Severn flat
A wooden sailing vessel, related to an up river trow, but designed for use in shallow water.

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BT River Severn craftLink to term


Severn frigate


Severn wherry
A small open boat used for passengers or light goods, propelled by oars or by sail when the wind was favourable.

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BT River Severn craftLink to term


Severner
The name derives from the 'Severn and Canal Carrying Co', craft used on the River Severn and Worcester and Birmingham Canals.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT miscellaneous cargo craft typesLink to term
RT narrow boatLink to term


sextant
Astronomical instruments that measure angular distances, especially the altitude of celestial bodies, in order to determine the longitude and latitude of ships at sea.

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BT navigating equipmentLink to term


shackle
A u shaped joining device completed by a bolt or retained pin across its tines (points).

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BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term


shallop
Thames rowing boat manned by 6 or 8 liveried oarsmen, the stretch-limo of its day. Often fitted with a tilt or cover for passengers. An early clinker built craft name, used before the mid Nineteenth Century.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT clinker built boatLink to term
BT human powered boatLink to term
BT passenger vesselLink to term
RT Thames wherryLink to term


sharp iron
Looks similar to the set iron but with a sharp edge for cutting out unwanted threads of oakum.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT caulking ironLink to term


shearing
Narrow and thin boards of hardwood fastened to the inside of the outer hull planking of a wooden vessel to add rigidity and provide a stop to prevent the caulking being driven right through the seams between the planking.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT chalicoLink to term
NT shearing nailLink to term


shearing hammer
About the size of an ordinary joiner's hammer, the head has a chequered striking face for hitting rose head nails, for a plain face would be liable to slip. The opposite side, where one would expect a claw or a flat pein, is lengthened into a round tapered spike, although blunt ended, this is a counterbalance.

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BT boatbuilding equipmentLink to term


shearing nail
Short, galvanised, rose headed nail used to secure shearing.

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BT nailLink to term
RT shearingLink to term


sheet roller
A hand operated winch to handle the sheet on a sailing vessel.

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BT rigging componentLink to term


Sheffield keel
Variation of the Humber keel, trading up to the Sheffield Basin using Tinsley locks. Sized 61ft x 15ft 6 inches, draft of 7ft to 7ft 6 inches. Carried 110 tons.

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BT Humber keelLink to term


shell plate
One of the many metal plates which when fastened together make up the skin of a vessel.

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BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT buttstrapLink to term


ship maul hammer
A round faced hammer with a chamfered neck, oval eye and heavy tapering pin at the other end. Used for driving trenails and spikes.

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BT maulLink to term
BT shipbuilding equipmentLink to term
RT trenailLink to term


ship repair equipment
Equipment and materials used for remedial repair work on sea going and larger 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 ship's scraperLink to term
NT spike lifterLink to term
NT tarLink to term


shipbuilding equipment
Equipment and materials used for building sea going and larger 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 caulking equipmentLink to term
NT futtock sawLink to term
NT maulLink to term
NT pitch ladleLink to term
NT pitch mopLink to term
NT rigger's screwLink to term
NT sawLink to term
NT scrieve boardLink to term
NT ship maul hammerLink to term
NT shipwright's adzeLink to term
NT shipwright's braceLink to term
NT shipwright's chiselLink to term
NT tar boilerLink to term
NT timber dogLink to term


shipwright's adze
Very broad, flat adzes having a spur or punch on the back of the head which can be used as a nail set.

UF boatbuilder's adzeLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT adzeLink to term
BT shipbuilding equipmentLink to term


shipwright's brace
A homemade wooden brace used for light work. They have a shallow sweep and a square tapered socket which can take wooden pads which would hold awls or bits.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT shipbuilding equipmentLink to term
RT bitLink to term
NT platelayer's braceLink to term


shipwright's chisel
A heavy type of chisel with long blades - from 24 to 36 inches long with 1.5 to 2 inch wide cutting edges.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT chiselLink to term
BT shipbuilding equipmentLink to term
NT boatbuilder's chiselLink to term


shipwright's plumb bob
Weights to be suspended from one end of plumb lines to determine verticality or to aid in locating points on the ground during surveying.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT measuring equipmentLink to term


shipwright's plumb line
Cords, strings, or other lines which, when used in conjunction with plumb bobs suspended from one end, are used to determine verticality or to aid in locating points on the ground during surveying.

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BT measuring equipmentLink to term


ship's anchor

USE anchorLink to term


ship's bell
Cast bronze bracket mounted bell usually engraved with name of ship and date, used for rigging watches and signalling in fog.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's binnacle
Mounting unit to protect ship's compass. Often lit with oil or electric lights and fitted with iron spheres and correcting magnets to give true compass bearings.

UF binnacleLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT navigating equipmentLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term
RT ship's compassLink to term


ship's block
Frames that contain one or more pulleys.

UF pulley blockLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's bollard
Iron or wooden round or square mooring stump with swollen top section (cap) fixed to deck of ship for making off mooring lines.

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BT bollardLink to term


ship's bosuns chair
Wooden plank seat fitted into a rope yoke usually secured by knots under the holes in the plank. Used for transferring crew from ship to ship or shore especially in emergencies and for overside maintenance work.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's bucket
Galvanised iron tapered bucket with round section rod handle fashioned with a loop for tying a rope for hauling aboard after filling overside.

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BT carrying equipmentLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term
NT deck bucketLink to term


ship's capstan
Vertically mounted winding drum hand or mechanically powered usually applied to raising anchor chain but also used for warping vessel when docking or locking.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's clock

USE chronometerLink to term


ship's compass
Direction finding navigation instrument with magnetic north seeking needle mounted on pivot. Usually mounted in gimbal frame to maintain level. Bezel marked with points of compass and degrees. Modern versions have oil bath casing.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT navigating equipmentLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term
RT gimbalLink to term
NT ship's binnacleLink to term


ship's davit
Rotating suspension arm for swinging out deck mounted anchor over side. Anchor is lifted off deck with a set of purchase blocks hung from a shackle at davit end. Can also be used as a rotating or pivotted suspension arm for swinging out and lowering ship's lifeboat over side of ship. Lifeboat is suspended at bow and stern between two davits each having a set of purchase blocks hung from a shackle at davit end.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's derrick

USE derrick poleLink to term


ship's equipment
Covers equipment found on sea going vessels and larger craft used 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 bittsLink to term
NT bollardLink to term
NT breakerLink to term
NT chronometerLink to term
NT riggingLink to term
NT roller fairleadLink to term
NT shackleLink to term
NT ship's bellLink to term
NT ship's binnacleLink to term
NT ship's blockLink to term
NT ship's bosuns chairLink to term
NT ship's bucketLink to term
NT ship's capstanLink to term
NT ship's compassLink to term
NT ship's davitLink to term
NT ship's fairleadLink to term
NT ship's fenderLink to term
NT ship's foghornLink to term
NT ship's forecastle stoveLink to term
NT ship's lampLink to term
NT ship's log (book)Link to term
NT ship's log (Walker's Patent)Link to term
NT ship's megaphoneLink to term
NT ship's telegraphLink to term
NT ship's wheelLink to term
NT ship's windlassLink to term


ship's fairlead
A fitting for the edge of the deck of a ship to take mooring ropes or lines through before making them off to bitts, bollards or the capstan.

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


ship's fender
A soft pliant cushion to absorb impact between vessel and dock or lock walls. Also positioned to cushion vessels under tow or being manouvered. Traditionally made up from knitted rope/wicker work or modern type air filled plastic.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's foghorn
A portable foghorn carried on a ship.

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BT foghornLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's forecastle stove
Specialised cabin heating and cooking range shaped to fit into taper of forepeak. Crew quarters are often located here in tugs, yachts and smaller vessels.

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


ship's lamp
Lamps designed for use on board ship.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT ship's equipmentLink to term
NT anchor lampLink to term
NT bunker lampLink to term
NT engine room lampLink to term
NT globe lampLink to term
NT masthead lampLink to term
NT navigation lampLink to term
NT tricolour lampLink to term


ship's log (book)
Diary kept of ship's sailings, ports of call, cargoes, dockings, etc. References usually made to weather, speed travelled, time spent in port, repairs, crew details and similar.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's log (Walker's Patent)
Patented overside recording instrument to measure distance sailed for working out ship's speed. Brass rocket shaped body with rotating propellor end drives internal gearing to counter wheels. Measurement recorded in nautical miles.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's megaphone
Tinsmith made cone with mouthpiece and handle for projecting and amplifying commands and instructions for ship to ship or to shore.

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BT communications equipmentLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's scraper
Usually a wooden handled too with a triangular metal end.Used for scraping the bottom of vessels.

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BT ship repair equipmentLink to term


ship's telegraph
Instrument usually from a ship's bridge or wheelhouse which communicates to the engine room via wires to a repeater mechanism the speed and direction (forward or reverse) required by the Chief Officer or pilot of a ship.

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BT communications equipmentLink to term
BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's wheel
Any circular device used to steer a ship linked to the rudder by rope, chains, rods, or hyraulics, or a combination of these.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term


ship's windlass
A mechanism with a crank handle used for winding anchors or sails.

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BT ship's equipmentLink to term
NT anchor windlassLink to term


shore knife
Used for cutting the edges of dykes.

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BT waterway maintenance equipmentLink to term


shorehead puffer
Iron boats 66ft x 15-16ft, carrying 80 tons on a 7ft draught, working up the Clyde and onto the Forth and Clyde Canal. Had finer lines to make them handle better at sea.These puffers have fixed bulwarks and a quarter deck.

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BT Scottish bargeLink to term


Shropshire Canal tub boat
Tub boats in trains of up to 20 generally steered from the towpath with a shaft on to the leading boat. They vary in capacity up to 10 tons. The usual given size is 19ft 9in x 6ft 2in x 3ft boats working in the 1920's at Coalport and on the Donnington Wood and Duke of Sutherlands Canal.

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BT tub boatLink to term


Shropshire Union flat
An adaptation of the Mersey flat, used by the Shropshire Union. They had their own white and blue colour scheme.

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BT canal flatLink to term


shroud
The rope or wire which runs from the masthead to the deck at the side of the vessel and supports the mast.

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


shunting tug
A small tug used to put barges in position for unloading or making up trains of tub boats.

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BT tugLink to term


shutts
Planking in the bottom of the hold of a narrow boat, forming a level platform.

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BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT groundsLink to term


side rocker
Icebreaker rocked from a bar or rope on the side gunwhales of the boat.

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BT ice breakerLink to term


sidecloth strings
The ropes used to pull the sidecloths up and into place on a narrow boat.

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BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT sideclothsLink to term


sidecloths
Strips of waterproofed canvas or other material fastened to the gunwhales of a canal narrow boat to prevent water entering the cargo space of the boat.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT knee stringsLink to term
NT sidecloth stringsLink to term


signal flag
Flag used for communication between vessels.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT communication system componentLink to term
NT letter flagLink to term
NT number flagLink to term


sill scoop
A leather bag with a fattened surface on one side. Used on a long pole to clear the sill of a lock so that the lock gate can meet with it.

UF cill scoopLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT waterway maintenance equipmentLink to term


single bladed paddle
One bladed paddle

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CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT paddleLink to term


single crease iron
A caulking iron with a single groove ('crease') edge, used for compressing the oakum down below the surface of the seam.

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BT making ironLink to term


single scull
Racing shell for one sculler without cox. Scullers use two oars each.

UF x1Link to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT competitive craftLink to term
BT human powered boatLink to term


Sir Nigel Gresley Canal boat
This canal served coalmines which brought coal into Newcastle under Lyme. Little is known about the boats but they are believed to have only been lightly loaded (6 tons).

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BT miscellaneous cargo craft typesLink to term


siren
A device making a long warning sound.

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BT communications equipmentLink to term


skid
A wooden square or rectangular platform with eyes in the corners where chains and ropes can be attached so that cargoes can be moved on it.

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BT cargo handling equipmentLink to term


skiff
On the Thames a boat with a wide stern built to carry several persons; in the North it signifies a sculler's racing boat.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT human powered boatLink to term
BT recreational craftLink to term
NT oyster skiffLink to term
NT Thames skiffLink to term


skin boat
A boat whose main construction material is skin.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by material>Link to term
NT coracleLink to term


skin plank
A plank of the outer skin of a wooden vessel.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
BT plank (boat component)Link to term


slab line
A line used to spill wind out of square sails on keels.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT rigging componentLink to term


slide
A seat which moves on wheels on parallel rails. Used in competitive craft.

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BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term


sling
Hoist components usually consisting of looped lines used to hold securely something to be hoisted, lowered, carried, or suspended.

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BT cargo handling equipmentLink to term


slipper launch
Motor or steam launch with stern which slopes down to the waterline. Traditional to the upper Thames.

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BT recreational craftLink to term


sloop rigged keel

USE Humber sloopLink to term


sloop rigged trow
A single masted trow with a fore and aft main sail, no top sail and one or two head sails.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT sail propelled boatLink to term
BT <trow by rig type>Link to term


smack rigged trow
A single masted trow with a fore and aft main sail, a gaff top sail and two or three head sails.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT sail propelled boatLink to term
BT <trow by rig type>Link to term


smacking whip
Horse whip used for encouraging the animal from a distance. Has a wooden handle with a long plaited leather or cord tapered thong with a knot at the end.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT equine driving equipmentLink to term
RT thrumLink to term


small Northwich
This type of narrow boat is one of 12 iron composite pairs built by W.J. Yarwood of Northwich in 1935. They formed part of the Star Class series of boats built for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company.

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BT star class boatLink to term


small Ricky
This type of narrow boat is one of 18 wooden pairs built during 1935/6 by Walkers of Rickmansworth. They formed part of the Star Class series of boats built for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company.

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BT star class boatLink to term


small Woolwich
This type of narrow boat was one of either 24 iron composite pairs or 18 steel composite pairs built by Harland and Wolff of Woolwich in 1935. They formed part of the Star Class series of boats built for the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company.

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BT star class boatLink to term


smoothie
A type of oar.

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CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT oarLink to term


smoothing plane
Shortest and most generally used plane. Stock is about 6.5-9 in long and 2.25-3.25 in wide, its upper edge rouned and chamfered for easy handling, the flat sole is sometimes plated with lignum vitae or metal, double cutting iron. Primarily used for smoothing and producing a finished surface but often used as a all-round bench plane.

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BT planeLink to term


snap head rivet

USE round head rivetLink to term


soap hole
A small space built into the rear bulkhead of a canal narrow boat cabin in which soap and/or the windlass were often stored.

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BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term


sod cutter
A navvy's tool

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT cutting equipmentLink to term


Somerset turf boat
The bottom was a single slab within clinker sides. Turf boats were 17' to 30' in length.

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BT miscellaneous cargo craft typesLink to term


Somerset withy boat
Flat bottomed made from planks clinker sides around 10ft long.

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BT miscellaneous cargo craft typesLink to term


sounding pole
An eighteen feet long pole, measured in feet by alternate sections of black and white and used to gauge depth on keels.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT measuring equipmentLink to term
RT keel (boat)Link to term


sounding rod
Used to check the depth of water in tanks and bilges where it is not visible.

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BT measuring equipmentLink to term
RT bilgesLink to term


spar
A strong thick pole used for a mast, gaff or boom on a vessel.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT boomLink to term
NT gaffLink to term
NT mastLink to term


speaking tube
Equipment with a mouthpiece/listening device directly linked to another part of the ship. Most often from the driving postion of a ship to the engine room. Seperate tubes would link to other specific places such as the Captain's cabin for emergency calls.

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BT communications equipmentLink to term


Speedwell mine boat
Used in the navigable level of the Speedwell mine near Castleton in Derbyshire.

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BT mine boatLink to term


spiders web belt
Flexible band encircling the waist to hold up a pair of trousers. Heavily decorated with embroidery design which looks like a spiders web.

UF boatman's beltLink to term
CL costumeLink to hierachy
BT beltLink to term


spike
A hand forged nail, usually square in cross section, with a point at one end and a head at the other. Length and size of section is variable.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT nailLink to term
RT spike lifterLink to term


spike iron
A narrow bladed caulking iron, tapering down at the end. Used for caulking in narrow spaces.

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BT caulking ironLink to term


spike lifter
A shipwright's wrecking or repair tool. A prying bar fitted with a device to grip the head of spikes to enable them to be easily drawn out.

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BT ship repair equipmentLink to term
RT spikeLink to term


spike mop

USE cabin mopLink to term


spoles

USE bobbinsLink to term


spoon dredger
A dredger with a single scoop, usually human powered lifted by a small hand crane.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT dredgerLink to term


spreader
Wood or iron bar connecting the traces to the towing line. They are suspended behind the horse through staples at each end. The towing line attaches to the centre of the chain or trackstring.

UF stretcherLink to term
UF trace stickLink to term
UF track barLink to term
UF track stickLink 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


sprit
A long spar of metal or wood, usually circular in cross section, hung by its lower end from a chain from the lower end of the mast of a Thames barge. Its top end is attached to the head of the sail at its outer corner.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT mast and spar componentLink to term
RT leechLink to term


square punch
Cylindrical metal rod with a square end that can be struck to make a square hole in the metal being worked upon.

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


square rigged trow
The early rig was one square sail on a single mast, often with a topsail on a topmast as well, and sometimes with a sprit sail on a mizzen mast. The main masts could usually be lowered to pass under bridges and the mizzen masts lifted out.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT sail propelled boatLink to term
BT <trow by rig type>Link to term


stackie barge
Designed for the hay and straw traffic. Of fairly shallow draught and could sail into riverside creeks to take on their cargoes. The mate or crewman of a stackie barge was often perched on top of the cargo and shouted directions to the helmsman.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Thames bargeLink to term


stanchion
A upright wooden or metal post to which a handrail or rope is often attached.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term


stand
A wooden plank, rectangular in cross section and tapering from one end to the other, set vertically on top of the keelson and supported in a slot cut out of the beam in a narrow boat. The stand is used to support the running planks above the hold.

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


star class boat
A group of 82 pairs of narrow boats ordered by the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company in 1935. They were all named after stars, planets and constellations. They were designed to carry bulk cargoes.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <narrow boat by type>Link to term
NT middle NorthwichLink to term
NT small NorthwichLink to term
NT small RickyLink to term
NT small WoolwichLink to term


star drill

USE rock drillLink to term


starboard lamp
A quarter round lamp with a green lens in front of the burner.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT navigation lampLink to term


starting block
A metal pulley block used to start a boat from rest, usually out of a lock.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT rigging componentLink to term


starvationer

USE Worsley mine boatLink to term


starver

USE box boatLink to term


state barge
Usually higher at the poop than at the prow. Elaborately carved, painted, gilded and decked with banners and pennants. About half its length might be covered by a roof or awning.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT passenger vesselLink to term


station boat (Birmingham)
Boats with finer lines built by and for the railway companies for use principally associated with interchange basins.

UF railway boatLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Birmingham day boatLink to term


station boat (British Waterways)
A group of 12 narrow boats transferred from use at British Railways interchange basins to the British Waterways North Western Divison Southern Carrying Fleet in 1954. They were refitted during 1955-7 and named after railway stations.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <narrow boat by type>Link to term


stay
A rope or wire running fore and aft on a vessel to support a spar.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
BT rigging componentLink to term
NT back stayLink to term
NT fore stayLink to term
RT mastLink to term


stayfall
A tackle on the fore stay for raising and lowering the mast of a keel.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT rigging componentLink to term


stayfall block
The name for the pulley block forming the stayfall tackle.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT rigging componentLink to term


stealer
A piece of timber inserted into the ends of a strake of planking to allow good fastenings to be made to the frames.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term


steam barge
Miscellaneous group of boats built specifically for steam power usually replacing a regional sailing craft and often keeping some but not all the characteristics of that vessel.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT steam powered boatLink to term
RT Chelmer bargeLink to term
NT steam keelLink to term


steam keel
Keels powered by steam and developed from the 1850s by the Aire and Calder Navigation Company. Varied in size, depending on where they traded. Basically they acted as cargo carrying tugs.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT keel (boat)Link to term
BT steam powered boatLink to term
RT North Eastern motor bargeLink to term
NT steam bargeLink to term


steam narrow boat
From the 1860s there were various experiments with steam power. The Grand Junction Canal Company developed a fleet which was taken on and perfected by Fellows Morton and Clayton. Several early steamers were converted horse boats made of wood, later most steamers were iron sided and wooden bottomed (composite construction) with counter sterns rounded off. The steam plant boiler and engine plus coal supply cut carrying down to 19 tons but allowed the steamer plenty of power to pull a butty or unpowered craft.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT narrow boatLink to term
BT steam powered boatLink to term


steam powered boat
A boat whose motive power source is a steam engine.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by motive power>Link to term
NT steam bargeLink to term
NT steam keelLink to term
NT steam narrow boatLink to term
NT steam wherryLink to term


steam scow
Related to Forth and Clyde scows. Size 60ft x 13ft 6 inches, carrying 80 tons on 6-7ft draught. Flush decked with no bulwarks and little sheer. Tug worked only on the canal.

UF canal pufferLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT scowLink to term
RT outside pufferLink to term
NT rose on pufferLink to term


steam wherry
Small steam barges built for the Norfolk Broads' Southern Rivers.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Norfolk wherryLink to term
BT steam powered boatLink to term


steel boat
A boat whose main construction material is steel.

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


stem bar
A bar of metal which makes the forward end of a metal vessel and to which the hull plating is fastened - it can also also refer to the metal guard placed over the stempost of a wooden vessel.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT stem ironLink to term
NT stempostLink to term


stem fender
A round fender fastened to the stem (front) of a boat, designed to take the impact of knocking sills.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT fenderLink to term


stem iron
The metal guard placed over the stempost of a wooden vessel.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT stem barLink to term


stempost
A vertical or near vertical piece of timber (or metal on metal boats) forming the very end of the bow of a vessel and shaped to cut through water cleanly.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT apron (boat component)Link to term
NT deadwoodLink to term
NT keel (boat component)Link to term
NT keelsonLink to term
NT stem barLink to term
NT stem ironLink to term
NT sternpostLink to term


stern cupboard
A small cupboard set into the extreme stern of a canal narrow boat, often used for storing food.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term


stern fender
A small round fender, fitted next to the tip cat fender on a motor narrow boat to protect the rudder.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT fenderLink to term


stern frame
The metal bar which carries the rudder and propellor housing of a metal vessel.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT frameLink to term


stern lamp
Similar in appearance to masthead lamps but usually smaller.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT navigation lampLink to term
RT masthead lampLink to term


sternpost
A vertical or near vertical piece of timber (or metal on metal boats) forming the very end of the stern of a vessel and shaped to cut through water cleanly.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT above decks watercraft componentLink to term
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
RT apron (boat component)Link to term
NT deadwoodLink to term
NT keel (boat component)Link to term
NT keelsonLink to term
NT stempostLink to term


Stevenston Canal boat
Boats carrying coal from mines at Stevenston in Ayrshire to Saltcoats harbour.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT miscellaneous cargo craft typesLink to term


stockless anchor
An anchor with a pivoting double hooked base.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT anchorLink to term


stone barge

USE Bristol bargeLink to term


stopwater
A dowel inserted into a joint in a wooden vessel to prevent the ingress of water.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term


Stour lighter
Barges 46 ft 9 ins x 10 ft 6 ins working in pairs the second craft acting as a rudder to the first carrying 13 tons each on a draught of 2'5.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT barges designed to work in multiple unitsLink to term
BT lighterLink to term


stower
Wooden shafts fitted with 2 metal tines at one end.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT cargo handling system componentLink to term
RT rypekLink to term


straight iron

USE set ironLink to term


strake
The name given to a 'run' of planking stretching from the stem of a vessel to its stern. A strake is usually made up of several planks end to end.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT below decks watercraft componentLink to term
NT garboard strakeLink to term
NT top strakeLink to term
NT whale strakeLink to term
RT tupLink to term


stretcher

USE spreaderLink to term


striking equipment
Equipment designed for striking in an inland waterways context. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT <tools and equipment by process>Link to term
NT chipping hammerLink to term
NT maulLink to term


strop
Short length of rope spliced into a circle for use as a sling or to form the eye of a block

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT boat equipmentLink to term
BT cargo handling equipmentLink to term
RT runnerLink to term


Stroud barge
A wooden sailing vessel, related to a trow with a double ended hull and a single mast. Large ones were sized to fit the locks on the Stroudwater Canal and smaller ones could also fit the locks on the Thames and Severn Canal.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT River Severn craftLink to term
BT trowLink to term


stumpies

USE stumpy bargeLink to term


stumpy barge
A Thames barge with no topsail. When mizzen masts were introduced stumpies had gaff rigged mizzens.

UF stumpiesLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Thames bargeLink to term
RT boomieLink to term
NT muleLink to term


suction dredger
A dredger removing material by vacuum or pumped suction to land or boat for later dumping.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT dredgerLink to term


suction plant
A floating platform designed to clear debris from mud hoppers by suction.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT waste disposal vesselLink to term


surface debris clearer
A craft designed to lift debris from the surface of water.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT channel clearance craftLink to term


surveying equipment
Equipment designed for surveying in an inland waterways context. Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT <tools and equipment by process>Link to term
NT boning rodLink to term
NT land chainLink to term


swage
A blacksmith's tool used for shaping hot iron.

CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
BT blacksmith's equipmentLink to term
NT bottom swageLink to term
NT top swageLink to term


swage block
Iron block containing a variety of shaped holes which are used to shape hot metal.

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


Swansea Canal boat
65 ft x 7 ft 6 ins carying 20 tons on 2 ft 9 ins draught.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT Welsh narrow boatLink to term


swan's neck
This refers to either a Z shaped metal bar fitted to the top of the rudder stock of a motor narrow boat to which the tiller bar is fastened or, on a butty boat, the ropework running from the top of the tiller to the top end of the rudder

CL componentsLink to hierachy
RT ram's headLink to term
NT rudderLink to term
NT rudder stockLink to term
NT tillerLink to term
NT tiller barLink to term
NT tiller pinLink to term


swape
Regional (Yorkshire) term for a very large oar used on barges or lighters, approx. 18-20 feet long.

USE sweep (oar)Link to term


sweep propelled boat
A boat that is designed to be propelled by the use of a sweep.

CL transportLink to hierachy
BT <craft by propulsion>Link to term
NT Thames lighterLink to term


sweep (oar)
A very large oar used on barges or lighters, approx. 18-20 feet long.

UF swapeLink to term
CL tools and equipmentLink to hierachy
CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT human powered propulsion system componentLink to term
BT oarLink to term


sweep (tiller)
Believed to be a regional term for a tiller.

USE tillerLink to term


swift passenger boat
Based on a Scotish design up to 14mph overshort distances along a canal.

UF Scotch boatLink to term
CL transportLink to hierachy
BT canal passenger boatLink to term


swimhead lighter

USE Thames lighterLink to term


swingle tree
Wood or iron bar (as stretcher) but is fitted with a central hook, often on swivel, to take the loop at the end of the towing line, making the connection easily unhooked.

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


system component
Do not use for indexing. Use a more specific term.

CL componentsLink to hierachy
BT <component by specific context>Link to term
NT cargo handling system componentLink to term
NT communication system componentLink to term
NT propulsion system componentLink to term



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