The Scow or Garvey

     Another variety of flat-bottom fishing launch is the Scow or Garvey which is extensively used in United States, in southern New Jersey, along the Atlantic coast of Maryland and Virginia and, to a slight extent, in the lower end of the Chesapeake Bay. The Scow was long popular in southern New Jersey as a sailing fishing boat for use on bays and streams. When engines of low cost became available, the sailing Scow (Garvey) was converted to a motor boat by deepening the stern to give a flatter run. The result was an inexpensive and useful launch of greater carrying capacity than the Sharpie and, perhaps, less costly to build. The boats use a variety of engines, ranging from one-cylinder marine motors to high-speed automobile engines and the Scow, with a proper chine profile and enough power, is a very fast launch in smooth water. Although not suited for use in open water, it is not uncommon for them to be used alongshore outside the Maryland beaches. When designed for the purpose they can be beached in moderate weather.

The skeg is often not bored for the propeller shaft and tunnel sterns are much used. In a fast Scow the chine profile is nearly straight from the end of the fore rake to the transom and, when the boat -is at rest, it is nearly parallel to the waterline. As a example, we can consider the boat with an old four-cylinder automobile engine. It runs about 9 knots with the throttle about two-thirds open. Even the larger boats, which are about 35 ft. (10.7 m.) in length rarely draw more than 2 ft. (0.6 m.) at the skeg. The bottom is commonly planked athwartship, but a few boats are framed out and have the bottom plank run lengthwise. As far as can be determined, the cross- planking does not affect the speed and is the strongest and by far the most inexpensive mode of construction. Large Scows are fitted with cabin trunks and steering shelters.

In New Jersey and Maryland the launches are used in oyster and clam fisheries, as offal boats and for tending the fish traps.