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 ~ ~ Paddlewheelers on Shuswap
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 ~ ~ Scows
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Scows

Scows were an important part of the paddlewheeler transportation system. Paddlewheelers often pushed one or more scows in front of them, doubling or even tripling their payload.

Scows were roughly built and were quite often used for a one-way trip only. At the end of the trip, the scows were either sold for $10-15 or taken apart for their lumber.

Scows were flexible, about fifty feet long, and about eight feet wide. The scows were flat-bottomed and could carry up to 25 tons. By caulking and tarring the joints, the scows could be made relatively water-proof for at least one trip. Some scows were built for more permanent use by bracing them with iron and placing iron sheeting on the bottoms. Most paddlewheelers were stripped of their machinery, and worked their last days as scows or barges.

Sometimes, scows had a "sweep" or steering oar, but mostly they just followed the current downstream. Men with poles would push the scows back into the current if they happened to drift into shallow water.

The scows were lashed together and the crew would walk over to the cook and dormitory scow for their meals and rest. Originally, each riverman would make his own lunch, and at mealtime the scow would be steered to the river bank and a fire to cook with was started.

Bernie Schaloske, Alan Ross
ALF School 1989