Boston smack

[JerryE-1]

A typical example of the type of fishing boat used in the Wash for shrimp, mussels and cockles. Part of the year they trawl using the twin booms to support nets either side; at other times the boats are beached and at low tide the shellfish are raked by hand until the two one ton bags are filled. A hydraulic crane on the stern lifts the filled bags on deck, and the catch is then washed in the big tank seen near the stern. I've been told the shellfish are mainly exported to Spain.

Shot on E-1 and 40-150 mk1.

Jerry

[snaarman]

Re: Boston smack

Nice picture of an usual boat. Nice to see the older gear still produces cracking results

Judging by the title, I was expecting an American Insult...

Pete

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Boston smack

It is a nice shot with an excellent kit ... however, I was expecting something else ... Boston Smack led me to think about a Glasgow Kiss ... so I was thinking a shot the David Hay debacle ...

[JerryE-1]

Re: Boston smack

Nothing so pugilistic I'm afraid. I wouldn't want to upset our fellow Oly's on the other side of the pond

Back in the days of commercial sail a Boston smack would have been a rather handsome, heavily built, gaff rigged wooden boat usually handled by two men, or more likely, one man and a boy. Over the years engines replaced masts, steel replaced wood, and the handsome shape has been replaced by a simple, boxy load carrier with a thumping great diesel. However it is supremely suited to the task.

Jerry.

[cariadus]

Re: Boston smack

And this is a typical Barry smack - or at least one that's been smacked around by the waves a little too much.

Also shot on the 19th with an E-1 and 40-150 Mk1.

[Zuiko]

Re: Boston smack

Very interesting, Jerry, I've never seen one of those. Thanks too, Roger, for showing one with a slight modification.....

[Grumpy Hec]

Re: Boston smack

And this is a typical Barry smack - or at least one that's been smacked around by the waves a little too much.

Also shot on the 19th with an E-1 and 40-150 Mk1.

We have plenty of such examples of the fine art of boat maintainence around the creeks on Mersea Island!!

[Guest]

Re: Boston smack

Very nice pic of a smack. Looks like it is not designed to handle big seas.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Boston smack

Nice Barry smack ! ... now I must go a hunting for a "Hampshire Smack" ... I fear of asking in Winchester, late on a Friday night

[Guest]

Re: Boston smack

Both very interesting boats.

I have to say that I like very much the rich vibrant colours and your exposure of the Barry Smack, Roger.

[JerryE-1]

Re: Boston smack

Very nice pic of a smack. Looks like it is not designed to handle big seas.

You're right; the Boston boats don't have to venture far from the river mouth in search of their catch, and the Wash, being a fairly sheltered area, never gets too rough. So the emphasis is on weight carrying rather than seakeeping.

Mind you, Roger's example doesn't seem to be designed for rough seas either


Jerry

[cariadus]

Re: Boston smack

Mind you, Roger's example doesn't seem to be designed for rough seas either

I wouldn't like to try it in calm water, never mind rough seas! Unfortunately the Old Harbour in Barry is littered with abandoned and rotting boats of various shapes and sizes.

I was struck by the fact that we were both taking photos of boats on the same day using an E-1 and 40-150. But of course yours is a little more seaworthy than mine.

[JerryE-1]

Re: Boston smack

Yes Roger, quite a coincidence about the camera/lens combo.

I often visit my favourite spot at the mouth of the river Witham around high tide to snap any ships, yachts and fishing boats entering or leaving. I'm currently building a small sailing cruiser and after spending months cloistered in a dark, damp boatbuilding shed I like to occasionally remind myself that the sea actually still exists. Hopefully this summer, health permitting I'll be launching, and finally get to go sailing again.

Jerry