What is it for? | SouthernPaddler.com

What is it for?

beekeeper

Well-Known Member
Mar 4, 2009
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Does anybody know the function of this "cross member/thwart like thing"?

It is removable and located about mid ship.

I saw it listed on a set of plans for a "trapper pirogue", but it was only referred to as removable part A.
One guess was "a place to lean your paddle". :roll:

bee
 

Kayak Jack

Well-Known Member
Aug 26, 2003
13,976
171
86
Okemos / East Lansing Michigan
I couldn't see forward of the thwart very well. Is there perhaps a mast step under those forward floorboards? The inset in the thwart may be a place to lay the boom of a sail?

The thwart would have to be rotated 90 degrees - maybe forward, maybe backwards, according to ballance point - to be used for portaging.
 

beekeeper

Well-Known Member
Mar 4, 2009
1,917
59
There is not a mast step in the boat. probably not a yoke, little need to portage in the swamp or marsh. It is not needed as a thwart (structural support), because the boat is strong enough as is. I'm thinking it relates to trapping but made to be removed when not trapping.

beekeeper
 

Wannabe

Well-Known Member
Apr 5, 2007
2,645
2
on the bank of Trinity Bay
Bee,
If that was a cradle to hold a punt gun it doesn't look like it would be very secure and there is no cradle in the bow to keep the barrel
secure in one spot.
We might keep in mind that what we are looking at may only be whats left of whatever it was. A puzzle with parts missing. Just a thought.
Bob
 

beekeeper

Well-Known Member
Mar 4, 2009
1,917
59
I doubt if it is for a punt gun, but it is the only picture I have found that looks similar. The boat is too small for that activity. It is not an old boat so I think the piece was built for a purpose and would be complete.
 

oldsparkey

Well-Known Member
Aug 25, 2003
10,479
123
Central , Florida
www.southernpaddler.com
beekeeper said:
probably not a yoke, little need to portage in the swamp or marsh.

beekeeper

In the middle of the Okefenokee Swamp there is an Island ( Floyd's Island ) and an old hunting lodge where you can camp and it is a 1/2 mile portage across it , either way , especially if you want to complete your trip across the swamp.

P1010142b.jpg


The only time I had to do a real portage in a swamp besides just using the bank to get around some blow downs.