Scow

A scow is a flat-bottomed boat with square ends, primarily used for carrying heavy loads, such as cargo, dredging materials, or waste, in shallow waters. Typically unpowered or minimally powered, scows are moved by towing, pushing, or using oars. Their design prioritizes cargo capacity and stability over speed or maneuverability. Scows are common in harbors, rivers, and canals, and are often employed in construction and marine transportation.

Scow meaning with examples

• The massive freighter carefully offloaded its cargo onto a fleet of scows, which were then towed toward the construction site. These robust vessels were perfect for navigating the shallow harbor waters. They could handle the weight of the large beams easily.
• During the dredging operation, a scow was deployed to collect the silt and debris from the riverbed. The workers efficiently filled the scow with sediment, ensuring the river's channel remained clear. It was then transported to an area for disposal.
• The old wooden scow, laden with coal, slowly made its way down the canal, pulled by a sturdy tugboat. Its square shape and flat bottom created minimal resistance, making it an ideal tool for the transportation of bulk materials. They were strong.
• In the harbor, a scow served as a floating platform for maintenance crews, giving access to the ship's hull. It was easy to load with equipment and transport them across the water. The workers were able to safely complete the required tasks.