bow mast on paddles N.Z.

[Delaunay]

  Hello ;
By reading different subject on the New Zealand boats with wheels, I board noted that some of these boats had a mast on the front.
I ask myself what this mast could it serve?
Certainly they are a some that are derricks, but then not mouflage for package handling and are set.
Someone should answer?
cordially
François

[derekwarner_decoy]

Dear François.....those masts [or tree trunks ] on river paddlers both in New Zealand and Australia were to help the Skippers or Captains line up & gain an accurate knowledge of the vessels bow  position

This is distinctly unique in narrow river waterways over open sea navigation

Derek

[Roderick Smith]

That was my first lesson when steering on a big paddlesteamer.  You line up the mast on a desired landmark, then watch the swing of the mast, and back off before overshooting.  Part way around a corner, pick the next landmark.  I use the same method with my much smaller boat. Novices tend to overcorrect, then advance in a series of S curves.  On the river, currents and wind keep affecting the desired smooth line.

Roderick

[Delaunay]

Hello ,
Thank you to both of you for the explanation.
I understand the difficulty navigating the narrow rivers.
cordially
François

[Delaunay]

Hello;

By reading and looking at the Forum and on the net, I ais view that these ships could made the barge towing.

But I did not find, on photos, videos or drawings, how we fixed tow and what are the means of reinforcement of the structure, because it seems to me that this towing was from the top of the rear superstructures?

Kind regards

François

[derekwarner_decoy]

François.....if you view images of Australian paddlers, many will confirm the towing post is above and about the same height as above the axis of the paddle shaft

The basis for this is basic mechanics  with regard to the ''push/pull" point being the same as the axis of the drive which means that the rudder will function...[and change the direction of the vessel]

The image below confirms the towing post axis, together with the cables in tension no matter what loading direction is placed by the towed load/barge 

Derek

[Delaunay]

 :)Hello Derek

And thanks for the information! I understand the principle.

Kind regards

François