Question about packet boat guard system

[michael4spoons]

Am seeking information on the so-called GUARD system of circa 1880
sternwheeler packet boats (like on the Mississippi River cotton
haulers), specifically info on those large vertical members affixed
flexibly at their top end, and which can apparently be moved this
way and that at their bottom end. These were spaced every 15-20 feet
along the main deck and hung down to near the waterline. I've seen
different numbers of these "things" in old photographs, depending on
the boat in question there may be five per side, or ten, etc. PLEASE
HELP, THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS!

[Joe E Brown]

The guards you are refering to is a typical bumper for the times. It
was to protect the side of the boat from rubs and bumps when docking
or having a barge along side. Typically they were 6 x 6's with a hole
in the top for a rope to thread through and tie to a cleat or bitt on
the boiler deck. Most of the time they just hung over the side just
above the waterline, but sometimes you can see a photo where someone
has lifted the bottom up to rest on the deck probably to get it outta
the way while doing something. On the smaller boats it could be a 4 x
4 and big one's could use 8 x 8's.

[Joe E Brown]

FENDERS..
Steamboat were forever rubbing against other boats, wharfboats,
barges, and lockwalls. Wooden fenders were lashed to the upper ends
of stationaries which protruded through the boiler deck to recieve
them. While out and running they were pushed back to clear the river.

Cotton packets didn't have stationaries at the edge of the guards so
the fender were hung from the stacking knees. Stacking knees were
wood or iron brackets designed to brace the cotton bales.

Hope I got it right this time.....
The futhur I go the behinder I get.

[Paulrjordan]

Well..Michael..first a warm welcome to Paddleducks..where we strive
desperately to save fellow paddlwheeler enthusiasts from going
"NUTS", so here's a quick answer to prevent any further deterioration
of your alarming condition!

You're pretty well on track when you refer to them as "guards"..these
long wooden timbers were fenders or bumpers to be hoisted up and down
to protect the vessel sides from docks...probably the forerunner of
those big inflated rubber ones you see on vessels today. Their method
of attachment made them suitable for almost any height dock.
However, I did once hear they might have had something to do with
keeping snags away from the hull at the waterline...but that seems
unlikely (to me at any rate!).

Hope this helps cut down on the tranquilizer bill!

Regards

PJ
Paul (Jordan)
Victoria. BC. Canada