Topic starter
09/05/2008 9:31 pm
I am writing a children's book, and need some information on steamboats. First, the background -- This is a paperback series for ages nine to 12, about a brother and sister who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, and discover that the girl can see ghosts. The first book will be out in summer of 2009. I'm working on the second book now, and it's set on a steamboat. (The ghost is a steamboat pilot who fell asleep on the job, caused an accident, and now is trying to make amends.) I've been on steamboats in the past, but new questions have come up during the writing. I've gotten a number of books on steamboats, but they don't always cover what I need to know. For example:
This is a steamboat that does multi-day river trips, with passenger cabins, and travels at night. How many people are likely to be on duty at night? Where would they be, and what would they be doing?
What does the boiler room look like inside, and what happens there? This is supposed to be an old boat that has been modernized for safety.
If you can suggest books or other sources that would help, please let me know. If you can answer from your personal experience, of course I'm glad to hear from you as well! You can learn more about me and my other books through my web site, www.chriseboch.com.
Thank you,
Chris Eboch
09/05/2008 10:53 pm
Welcome, Chris. As far as the number of people working at night (wee hours of the morning), on a boat such as you describe there would be a minimum of 8 to 10 people up working. Some ( the fireman, the engineer and the oiler, the pilot) would be confined to their own areas and would generally not be able to leave their posts. Others (deckhand[s], watchmen, mate) would be roaming around, at least part of the time. Obviously, 3 or 4 people can't be everywhere at once, but they are expected to know what's going on.
The boiler room is a hot, noisy, but well-lit place, not especially roomy. The fireman (person who tends the boilers, water and fire) is expected to be alert at all times. On a modern oil-fired boat, his job doesn't require the constant attention it did in olden days, but does not allow for a lot of goofing off, either. Others on this board may be able to post pictures of the inside of a boiler room.
I don't know where you are, but if you want to get a feel for and hve a look at an old-time (1914) steamboat still in operation with all modern safety features, I suggest riding the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE at Louisville, KY. It is as close as you can get to what you are looking for, boat-wise. Hope this helps!