The Steamboating Forum

Hey Guys, I am working on acquiring a boat that has a 58" tall stack that I need to reduce to 32" to clear a fixed bridge on our lake. I would prefer not simply cutting the stack down to the lower clearance needed as it really throws off the proportional look of the vessel.

I have in mind a "Telescoping Stack"; as opposed to a hinged stack (laying the stack backwards causes interference with other machinery on the boat). I've been working on various designs to raise and lower the telescoping section via a pulley system connected to a levered frame or perhaps a couple of pneumatic lift arms (like used on self closing doors) But, I thought it best to keep it simple - how about cutting narrow channels in the upper telescoping section at the 12, 3, 6 & 9 o'clock that would allow retaining bolts in the lower section to move along. These bolts would be installed with adjusting knobs that could be tightened or loosened to lower & then raise the stack as needed.

I would welcome any thoughts on this concept you fellows might have. Perhaps someone out there has already done this sort of thing on a boat or knows someone who has. I am told the stack is approx. 12-14" in diameter, so a standard telescoping chimney pipe off the shelf would not work as a quick replacement. I'll have to do the refit of this stack myself.

Again, the quickest solution would be to cut the overall length of the stack and be done with it - but, the boat looks out of sorts with a short stubby stack. I look forward to your input. Thanks.

If just getting past a low bridge for a short prtiod of time, then consider a removable stack. The Margaret S. has this, and it is simply a snug fit into a steel socket. The stack is removed for trailering, (or getting under an obstruction when underway), and the boiler has no problem steaming with reduced output and no stack. It has been taken on and off many times, no bolts, no stays, and nothing loose.

Leather gloves are recommended if removing the stack while underway is comtemplated, although some handle attachments might be used to avoid stack heat.

You mentioned that a lay back stack would create issues with machinery on board, have you concidered hinging the stack at 32"? Only folding the upper portion of the stack may clear the machinery or you could hinge forward or even to the side if needed.

Ken

The Steam launch Streatley in the UK has the top 3 foot of so hinged. She is a large trip boat on the Thames,operated by the French Brothers. The total height of the funnel must be around 8-9 foot.
There is a video of her on the SBA website that shows the funnel being worked.

Mike

Thanks Fred, Ken & Mike......I appreciate your input.

Mike, I checked out the SL STREATLY on the SBA site, and as much as I was resistant to the "hinged" idea - they made it look very simple and reliable. In addition, I came across a great video of a Steam Barge - ADAMANT - that had a hinged stack with a simple actuating lever set up that should be simple enough to replicate. Considering the reliability of a simple hinge, I am now thinking of going that way, to either Port or Starboard - problem solved - even if it looks a bit unusual while passing under a fixed bridge - it would be right back up and all go as soon as you pass clear. Clearly, I am not the first of many steamboaters who have had to deal with Fixed Bridges, knew the solution was out there somewhere.

I'm nearing the point of meeting with a banker to discuss the purchase of my dream vessel - will keep you posted.

Thanks Guys!