Barge (river vessel)

Common river vessels using the river’s current to float downstream with heavy loads covered by canvas. A low sleeping house is usually located amidship or near the stern, suitable for two persons comfortably or four cramped. Downstream, four polemen handle the craft, but a minimum compliment of oarsmen are needed for bringing the empty barge upstream. A half-full barge pulled upstream requires a full complement of oarsmen.

Scow (Light Barge)

Dimensions: length (60 ft.); beam (8 ft.); keel to house roof (11 ft.)
Strength: hull (20 pts.)
Hardpoints: none
Draft: 1 ft.
Staterooms: quarters (1); decks (1)
Cargo: 20 tons
Crew: polemen (4); oarsmen (8/20)
Construction Time: 2 weeks

Heavy Barge

Dimensions: length (80 ft.); beam (11 ft.); keel to house roof (15 ft.)
Strength: hull (27 pts.)
Hardpoints: none
Draft: 16 in.
Staterooms: quarters (1); berths (1); decks (1)
Cargo: 50 tons
Crew: polemen (5); oarsmen (10/26)
Construction Time: 33 days

Royal Barge

Special in that it will be ornately carved, rowed by soldiers and mercenaries, and fitted with an upper deck, forward, that will be heavily fortified. Typically, most of the weight carried will be temporary roofing, furnishings, additional servants or slaves, possibly treasure and also weapons.

Dimensions: length (100 ft.); beam (13 ft.); keel to house roof (23 ft.)
Strength: hull (34 pts.)
Hardpoints: forward (1)
Draft: 20 in.
Staterooms: chamber (4); servants’ berths (10); decks (2)
Cargo: 122 tons
Crew: polemen (7); oarsmen/marines (33)
Construction Time: 5½ months

See Also,
Hardpoints
Naval Combat
Ship Types
Wind Effects on Movement