Keelboat facts for kids
A keelboat is a type of boat that has a special part called a keel. This keel helps the boat stay stable in the water. There are two main kinds of keelboats. Some are old working boats used on rivers. Others are modern boats used for sailing and racing.
Old keelboats were long and narrow. They were often shaped like a cigar. People used them to travel on rivers, shallow lakes, and canals. These boats were very important in early America. They helped settlers move west. They also carried goods for trade and exploration. Moving heavy cargo by water was the best way back then.
These older keelboats did not have engines. People moved them using oars or long setting poles. Pushing a keelboat upriver was very hard work! Most of these boats were about 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters) long. They were about 15 feet (4.5 meters) wide. They often had a small cabin.
Keelboats were used for famous trips, like the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They were also used to carry cargo and people in the early 1800s. A famous keelboat captain was Mike Fink.
Contents
Historical Keelboats in America
What Were Early Keelboats Used For?
Early keelboats were essential for life on American rivers. They helped people explore new lands. They also moved goods and supplies. Settlers used them to travel to new homes in the west. These boats were like the trucks of their time.
How Did Keelboats Move?
Keelboats did not have motors. Crews used long poles to push the boat against the riverbed. This was called "poling." They also used oars to row. Sometimes, they used sails if the wind was right. Going upstream was very difficult and slow.
Famous Keelboat Journeys
The Lewis and Clark Expedition used a keelboat for part of their journey. This famous trip explored the American West. The keelboat helped them carry supplies and equipment. It was a vital part of their success.
A Story from 1833
In 1833, a newspaper in Lafayette, Indiana shared exciting news. A steamboat named the REPUBLICAN arrived. It was pulling two keelboats, "the Hoosier Lady" and "the Hoosier Boy." They brought goods for local businesses. This was a big event for the town. The steamboat even tried to go further up the river. If it succeeded, it would be the first!
Keelboats in Great Britain and Ireland
Different Types of Keelboats in Europe
In Great Britain, the term "keel" was used for specific working boats. These included the Norfolk Keel and the Humber Keel. There was also the Tyne Keel, known for its Keelmen. In Ireland, the Howth 17 is a famous keelboat. It was designed in 1897. It is the oldest one-design racing keelboat in the world. This means all boats of this type are built exactly the same.
Modern Keelboats Today
What is a Modern Keelboat?
Today, a keelboat usually means any sailboat that has a fixed keel. This is different from boats with a centerboard or daggerboard. A keel is a permanent fin under the boat. It helps the boat stay upright and sail straight.
Keelboats in Sailing Sports
In places like New Zealand, people often call any sailboat with a keel a "keeler." Organizations like World Sailing classify different types of boats. They use "keelboat" for keeled boats with smaller crews. Larger boats are often called "yachts."
Keelboat vs. Yacht: What's the Difference?
Sometimes, the difference between a "keelboat" and a "yacht" depends on the country. A "keelboat" might mean a sailboat used just for racing or fun. A "yacht" might describe a sailboat big enough for overnight trips. Yachts often have a toilet, also called a "head."
Images for kids
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Side-view of the keelboat from the Lewis and Clark Expedition on the back of the 2004 nickel
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A yacht race in California
