On 31-7-2014 23:43, Doctor John wrote:
> On 31/07/14 22:34, Doctor John wrote:
>> IIRC those are called (in English) leeboards. The boats look much like
>> Thames sailing barges with some differences. The leeboards have much the
>> same effect as daggerboards but having two (one either side of the
>> barge), independently controlled, facilitates sharp turns. Remember
>> these are (or were) working vessels and often worked in close proximity
>> to one another.
>>
>
> just thought of another reason. The barges used tidal waters. If you
> were above the low-water mark when the tide went out, the barge would
> settle on the mud and then list over to one side or the other. If you
> lowered both leeboards, they would help to keep her upright and thus
> prevent the shifting of cargo.
>

I have not heard of these here being used as you suggest but plausible. 
However, the bottoms being perfectly flat there is no listing when 
grounded, on sand banks particularly.

Thomas

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