Wanted: Illinois & Michigan Canal Workers
Information for Steamboat
Crew
(Drago 1972, 108)
Steamboats had a modified grain-boat superstructure. In its bow the steamboat had a storage cabin, followed by two hatches, and its main cabin amidships. Aft of the main cabin there was a large hatch; next an eight-foot high, seven-foot wide Pilot House; and finally a machine room about 12 feet wide and three feet high. Its stern overhung the water and had two twin screws for propulsion.
The "Grain Boat" was back common type used after 1870. Its dimensions were similar to the Lake Boat, but its main cabin was amidship. It also had a small shed or crew's quarters in the bow. Two of its four hatches were between the bow-shed and the main cabin, and two after the main cabin.
(Vierling 1986, 49, 51)
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