Whale-Sized Narrow Boats: The Best Options For Whale Transportation

Whales are fascinating creatures, and many people are keen to see them up close. Whale-watching boats need to be large enough to carry multiple people and have a motor that is strong enough to get the boat away from the shore. However, the motor must also be quiet enough so as not to scare away the whales. The most common type of boat used for whale watching is a catamaran, a small boat with a powerful motor. Another type of boat used for whale watching is a whaleboat, a type of open boat that was used for catching whales. Whaleboats are usually between 27 and 31 feet long and are pointed at both ends. They are equipped with masts, sails, and rudders, as well as oars and paddles.

Whaleboats: History and design

Whaleboats are a type of open boat used for catching whales, or a boat of similar design used for other purposes. They are typically double-ended, with narrow, sharp ends and light construction to achieve the best possible speed for their length. The early history of whaleboats can be traced back to a 1335 image of Basque whalers working from a double-ended boat. Over time, the design and construction of whaleboats evolved to optimize their performance and functionality for whaling expeditions.

The standard dimensions of a whaleboat include a length between 27 and 31 feet, with a beam just over a fifth of the length. The hulls are typically clinker-built, with a double-ended design, and are propelled by five oars when rowed. Later whaleboats became capable of operating under sail or oar, with American whaling crews favouring this approach. These boats would approach the whale under sail and then quickly switch to oars, providing the manoeuvrability needed when closing in on a harpooned whale.

Whaleboats were equipped with a removable mast, a rudder for sailing, and a steering oar for rowing. The average whaleboat carried essential equipment, including wooden tubs with coiled hemp lines, harpoons, lances, a hatchet, knives, a water keg, a lantern-keg, a waif (a long-poled flag), and a fluke spade. The sleek lines of whaleboats gave them a combination of speed, manoeuvrability, and beauty. Their uncomplicated design also made them relatively easy to repair, which was crucial during long voyages where encounters with whales often resulted in boat damage.

In addition to whaling, whaleboats found use in warfare and as safety vessels. They were valued for their seaworthiness and versatility, making them useful for amphibious operations and lifeboats. The United States Coast Guard utilized whaleboats from 1791 until the 1900s, when they transitioned to motorized lifeboats. On modern warships, a light and seaworthy double-ender transport vessel may be referred to as a whaleboat or whaler.

Modern whaleboats: Safety and military use

Modern whaleboats are used for safety and military purposes. The United States Coast Guard has used whaleboats as safety vessels since 1791, although they stopped using them in the 1900s when they switched to motorized lifeboats. Their simple, open structure makes them ideal for emergency access and personnel loading.

Whaleboats are also used as lifeboats, equipped with essential items such as a hatchet, compass, sea anchor, emergency signal mirror, drinking water, a first aid kit, and other emergency provisions. The US Navy Motor Mark 10 Whale Boat is another example of a military whaleboat. These boats are built to withstand 20-foot waves and have excellent handling capabilities. They are designed to be carried on naval ships and serve various functions, including lifeboats, officers' gigs, and shore-party boats.

On modern warships, a light and seaworthy double-ended boat used for transporting the crew may be called a whaleboat or whaler. These boats usually have fuller hulls, providing more capacity but also more drag.

In addition to their safety and military applications, modern whaleboats are also used for recreational and competitive rowing in certain regions, showcasing the versatility of these vessels in today's world.

Narrowboat definition and history

A narrowboat is a type of canal boat built to fit the narrow locks of the United Kingdom. To enter a narrow lock, a boat must be under 7 feet (2.13 m) wide, so most narrowboats are 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) wide. Their maximum length is generally 72 feet (21.95 m).

The first narrowboats played a key role in the economic changes brought about by the British Industrial Revolution. They were wooden boats pulled by horses walking on the canal towpath, led by a crew member. Horses were eventually replaced by steam and diesel engines.

Today, narrowboats are used for holidays, weekend breaks, touring, or as permanent or part-time residences. They usually have steel hulls and a steel superstructure. The hull's flat base is typically 10 mm thick, with the sides of the hull and cabin, and the roof, ranging from 4 to 8 mm thick.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a narrowboat as:

> "A British canal boat of traditional long, narrow design, steered with a tiller; spec. one not exceeding 7 feet (approx. 2.1 metres) in width or 72 feet (approx. 21.9 metres) in length."

The term "narrowboat" has been adopted by authorities such as the Canal and River Trust, Scottish Canals, and the magazine Waterways World to refer to all boats built in the style and tradition of commercial vessels that could fit in the narrow canal locks.

While the usage is not yet fully settled, it is incorrect to refer to a narrowboat as a "widebeam" or a "barge", which are definable by their greater width. A barge, for instance, is usually a cargo-carrying boat wider than 7 feet (2.13 m).

The key distinguishing feature of a narrowboat is its width, which must be less than 7 feet (2.13 m) to navigate British narrow canals. Their slenderness, combined with their length (up to 72 feet), can make them seem very long.

Modern leisure narrowboats often include facilities such as central heating, flush toilets, showers, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators. They are owned by individuals, groups of friends, holiday rental firms, or used as cruising hotels. Some are lived in permanently, either based in one place or continuously moving around the network of canals.

Narrowboat steering and stern types

There are three main types of narrowboat sterns: the traditional stern, the semi-traditional stern, and the cruiser stern. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, catering to different needs and preferences.

The traditional stern, also known as the "Trad", is reminiscent of the old working narrowboats. It has a small rear deck, maximising the cabin space. While this provides more secure living and storage space, there is limited room for the steerer and other passengers. The semi-traditional stern combines the traditional and cruiser sterns, offering a balance between cabin and deck space. It provides shelter, storage, and room for a passenger or two to join the steerer.

The cruiser stern, commonly seen in hire fleets, offers the largest deck area. It is ideal for social gatherings, accommodating groups of people and providing ample seating. However, the cruiser stern compromises cabin space, as it gains external space. This type of stern usually includes a safety rail, making it a popular choice for families.

The choice of stern depends on individual preferences and needs. While the traditional stern offers more cabin space and secure storage, the cruiser stern provides a spacious deck for socialising. The semi-traditional stern strikes a balance between the two, making it a versatile option.

Whale-watching boats: Catamarans and zodiacs

Whale-watching boats come in different shapes and sizes, with catamarans and zodiacs being two popular choices. Each offers a unique experience for those eager to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Catamarans are a great option for whale watchers, providing a stable and luxurious platform for observing whales and other marine wildlife. These boats are designed with twin hulls, offering improved stability on the water, which is crucial when navigating rough waters in search of whales. Catamarans are also spacious, often accommodating up to 40 passengers, making them ideal for larger groups or families. They feature various viewing areas, both indoor and outdoor, ensuring that passengers have multiple vantage points to spot the whales. The enclosed cabin areas provide shelter from the elements, making the experience comfortable for everyone on board, even in less favourable weather conditions.

Zodiacs, on the other hand, offer a more intimate and thrilling whale-watching experience. These are rigid hull inflatable boats that can accommodate smaller groups, typically carrying no more than 11 passengers. This smaller size allows for a more personalised tour, with greater opportunities for social interaction among passengers and the skipper. Being smaller and more agile, zodiacs can get closer to the whales without causing them distress, as the larger boats might. Passengers can feel the thrill of speeding across the water at up to 55 km/h, cutting through the waves in search of orcas and humpbacks.

Both catamarans and zodiacs offer distinct advantages for whale watchers. Catamarans provide comfort, stability, and space, making them perfect for those who want a relaxed viewing experience. In contrast, zodiacs offer a more exhilarating ride, bringing passengers up close and personal with the whales, creating an intense and memorable adventure.

Ultimately, the choice between a catamaran and a zodiac depends on personal preferences. Catamarans cater to those seeking a more conventional boat tour experience, while zodiacs are ideal for those craving a faster-paced, immersive encounter with whales and the open sea.

Frequently asked questions