Does anyone know how far the swimheaded barges
operated and what were the advantages of the
configuration since it took around 100 years for them
to be completely displaced as sailing vessels by the
modern barge and even then the form was retained for
lighters(The 2 swimheads on the active list are
apparently converted lighters).The ones I can think of
offhand are
Easy build
Sitting relatively deep in the water when light and
giving a better grip on the water
Closer approach to the bank for discharging cargo over
the bows
The swim would keep the bows up better in short steep
seas,rather like a Dutch barge - important if holds
not properly battened down - but would also slow it
down
cheers
andy airey

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