MERSEY SAILING CANOES.
A class of boat is rapidly getting into favour on the Mersey, which, in some respects, is better adapted for the combined recreation of "paddling and sailing" in the open sea than are any of the canoes hitherto described. We are indebted to Mr. C. Arthur Inman for a description and drawing of the Mersey craft (Plate XLVII.) ; and it would be strange indeed if that home of " canvas-backs " did not turn out something specially serviceable in the way of boats. Although these Mersey sailing boats are termed "canoes" and "canoe yawls," it is quite plain that they are as much " sailing boats " as the Surbiton gigs are. It is true that they have grown out of the Rob Roy canoe ; but a vessel 17ft. long, 4ft. 6in. broad, and 2ft. deep, that carries " passengers," lcwt. of ballast, has a large sail area, and is, moreover, rowed and not " paddled," is better described by the word " boat " than " canoe." The boats are usually of one length, 17ft.; and a breadth of 4ft. bin. is found to answer well. The depth from gunwale to under side of keel is 2ft., and the keel is 4in. deep. They are decked all over, excepting the well, which has 1 lin. roaming all round, and is usually of the form shown in the drawing. The well is carried so far forward to enable the crew to reach the mast, or anything forward of it, without getting on the deck. The canoes are clench built, of white or yellow pine sin. thick ness when worked up. The stem and sternpost are alike, 14in sided. with 24in. outside rabbet, and about Bin. inside, enough to take th( plank fastenings and serve as apron.
The steering arrangement is very capitally contrived with yokel coupled by rods or chains as a tiller, as shown. Strengthening piece (running fore and aft) are worked above and below the deck, throng] which a bolt with collar passes, and is secured with nut and washe underneath. On the upper part of the bolt, above the collar, the yok and tiller (all in one) are shipped on the bolt, and kept from unshippinl by a pin. In case the tiller and yoke be of wood, a brass socket i fitted in the hole to prevent the collar of the boat wearing away the wood.
Generally about lowt. of ballast is carried, in flat lead or iron brickE The boats carry three passengers ; two sitting aft on the stern sheets, an one on the fore seat.
The rig, it will be seen, is the main and mizen; and in strong winds, with small mainsail and small storm mizen, they sail fast, and are dry. As they are decked in, these little boats may be seen out in all weather, and are considered as dry and safe as the New Brighton boats ; but, of course, could not compete with them.
In form the boats are comparatively full forward, and have a long clean after-body; compared with the usual run of sailing boats, they are longer in proportion to their breadth, but if cut off at No. 7 section they
would not much differ from the ordinary sailing boat.
Pia. 161.
The 4in. keel is found quite sufficient, in the way of dead wood, to check lee-way ; but, with a comparatively small sail area (only 100 square feet), such boats could hardly be expected to compete with the beamy Surbiton craft.
The main and mizen rig is found to answer well, and the boats stay well under it in smooth water. In rough water they require to be handled with more care in tacking ; and if a boat seems likely to miss stays, the rowlock is close by the helmsman, and he can help her round with a stroke of an oar. However, generally they are backed round by hauling the foot of the mainsail to windward if they hang in stays; but the oar, if used, has this advantage—it keeps the boat going.
The builder of the Mersey canoes is Mr. Samuel Bond, Mersey-street Birkenhead. Sailmaker, Mr. J. E. Jarvis, 8, Tabley-street, Liverpool.
A good material for the sails would be " I- Bleached Linen Drill,' made by Messrs. Foster, Conner, and Son, Linen Hall, Belfast. Thi material has been used by Mr. Arthur Hill Coates for the balance lu of a centre-board gig with excellent results.
The Mersey tent is recommended for its lightness and portability. T1 strength is adjusted to meet all strains, and in roughest weather, an exposed coast, they have been snug and safe. The material is n waterproofed, as waterproofing adds considerably to the weight. On t other hand, if the tent is not waterproofed, it takes a considerable time dry after rain or heavy dew if no opportunity exists for drying it. 'I gable form of the roof has a sufficient angle to shed the water ; there never any drip ; but then no seam in the roof is allowed, and this is important point. When planning a tent for extreme portability, floor sp is of more value than standing height. These gable tents are about square, and 4ft. 6in. high to the ridge—ample height for sitting in ; t1 dimensions make a roomy tent for two men and their luggage, and space is not too small for three men. The weight of tent, with poles, pi and ropes, is under 121b.; this does not include waterproof floor sh which may be either of macintosh or oiled grey sheeting ; the latte less expensive, but is more difficult to -procure in a short time, bee: of the slow drying of the oil. Mr. Samuel Bond can give all fur particulars as to costs, &c., of the tent.