What Makes Riverboats Unique
“Rivers present special hazards to vessels. They usually have varying water flows that alternately lead to high speed water flows or protruding rock hazards. Changing siltation patterns may cause the sudden appearance of shoal waters, and often floating or sunken logs and trees (called snags) can endanger the hulls and propulsion of riverboats. Riverboats are generally of shallow draft, being broad of beam and rather square in plan, with a low freeboard and high topsides. Riverboats can survive with this type of configuration as they do not have to survive the high winds or large waves that are seen on large lakes, seas or oceans. In most nations, riverboats are tourist attractions”
Until I saw this model, I had no idea that riverboats were so… “top heavy”, but it makes sense now I understand why they are built that way. So, the next time you see a riverboat go by, you can wow your kids with a few details! ;)
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Southern Byways
1 opinion for What Makes Riverboats Unique
thom bellamy
Aug 2, 2007 at 7:29 pm
the history and grace of the paddle boats make them the most magnificant water craft constructed.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: