canvas on hatch covers

[Les Weston]

I have attched two photos showing the use of tarps and battens.

One is full size, the other 2x.

These are from the William G. Mather and the first four hatches are tarped to prevent water from entering cargo hold one, which is the main entrance and exhibit floor.

The hatches are only partially "battened down". If fullt battened down, there would be a batten ate each clamp.

[Sinbad]

I recall reading a book recently wherein the author stated that tarps were applied to the hatches on the Champlain when he was a deckhand. This boat had one-piece hatch covers. I never heard of this practice aboard vessels with one-piece hatch covers. Was he correct? I also sailed on maritimers and never saw a tarp aboard them.

[Russ]

Again, not exactly. I believe boats with telescoping hatches that carried grain used tarps all the time. All boats with telescoping hatches, regardless of cargo, used tarps up until, I believe, May 15 (possibly June 1). From May 15 ( or June 1), until August 31 tarps were not necessary. Beginning September 1, all boats with telescoping hatches were supposed to resume the use of tarps. The old Edward Y. Townsend used tarps with cargos of iron ore after September 1.

[Guest]

the hatch covers would be tarped regardless of the cargo, not just wheat.

Not exactly. With grain they would be tarped no matter what as moisture could damage the cargo. Hauling something else, say ore, they would generally tarp in foul weather times.

[Guest]

the hatch covers would be tarped regardless of the cargo, not just wheat.

[Luke Archer]

Yes, this is done on lakers with telescoping hatch covers. There are not many boats left with this style of hatch tops- a handful or so.

[ed mertz]

I seem to remember something about - when transporting wheat - the crew would place canvas over the hatch covers to prevent water from entering the boat and expanding the wheat. Can anyone tell me if this is true or not and if this is done on a regular basis when hauling wheat ?