The types of vessels using the canal have changed over the years from the sailing ships of the early days to the steamers and barges of the later commercial period and again to the pleasure craft and classic ships of today.
In the early days of the canal, most of the vessels bringing cargoes to Gloucester were sloops, schooners and brigs in the coastal trade with an occasional brig or barque from more distant ports.
At Gloucester, most of the imports were loaded into canal boats to be taken further inland to the growing industrial towns in the Midlands.
The canal was also used by trows and barges trading direct between Bristol and riverside towns in the Midlands. Tugs superceded horses for towing on the canal.
During the course of the 19th century, the size of vessels in service tended to increase, with schooners and barques being the most common types of sailing vessels, and there was a growing use of steamers.
During the 20th century, sailing vessels gradually died out, and motor vessels eventually replaced steamers.
As the size of ships became so big that most had to discharge at Sharpness, the traffic on the canal changed to being mainly barges and lighters carrying the cargoes on to Gloucester and further inland.
Over the years, several different dredgers have worked to maintain the depth of the canal, and various means have been tried to dispose of the mud. Floating cranes were used to lift lock gates and bridge components, and special rigs were used for driving piles to protect the canal banks. Fire-floats were stationed at Gloucester and Sharpness.
Passenger steamers operated on the canal for many years, and a few private steam yachts and motor boats were to be seen before the Second World War.
Now the canal is used by a large number of narrow boats and cabin cruisers, and there are two rowing clubs.
Sailing ships still come to Gloucester for overhaul in the dry docks.
Thanks to http://www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk/vessels/vessels.htm.
The cache is a clipbox in a camo bag that’s suitable for small swops and geocoins.
Happy Hunting ...............