Glossary

Page 3. (M thru R)

Narrow Boat:-

Originally a craft measuring approximately 70' long with a 7' beam and also referred to as a Monkey Boat or Long Boat. Now refers to boats with a beam of approximately 6' 10". and a length of 72' or less.

Note: Waterways World magazine claims to have established the definitive term 'narrowboat' in 1984 as a matter of editorial policy.

Navigation:-

A waterway that has been made navigable by the construction of artificial channels and locks.

Navvy:-

Name given to the laborers who built the canals. An abbreviation of "navigator".

Number Ones:-

Boats owned by boatmen who worked them themselves as opposed to boats owned by a firm or company.

Paddles:- [Photo]

Mechanism that allow water into and out of a lock by means of hatches cut in the gates or sluices - brick or stone-lined drains - cut into the chamber walls. Typically, a lock has "Ground Paddles" at its top gates and "Gate Paddles", also called "Fly Paddles", "Ranters" or "Flashers" on its bottom gates; but there are exceptions. There are various types of mechanisms used to raise and lower the paddles.

Pigeon Box:- [Photo]

A box shaped ventilator on the cabin roof of the boat; usually has hinged top panels with small portholes.

Porthole

A circular window on a boat

Pound:-

The stretch of water on a canal between two locks.

Puddling:-

Lining the bed and sides of the canal with a clayey mixture of loam and course sand. Originally pounded in place by horses or navvies wearing puddling-boots.

Roses and Castles:- [Photo]

A traditional art form which decorates many narrow boats and their paraphernalia.

Roving Bridge:-

A bridge carrying the towpath from one side of the canal to the other. Also known as a Turnover or Snake Bridge.

More of the Canalictionary:- (A thru E) . | (F thru L) . | (S thru Z) .

If you have any comments, corrections or additions please send an EMail to John..... The Canaloholic.