Older lakers

[garyexpress]

The new boats have the same arrangement. They use their forward masts or "steering poles" for navigating the rivers. These are vertical and usually have dog house for the watchmen to do look outs in cold weather

[ed mertz]

Thanks to all for helping me understand the purpose of this item.

[Old Engineer]

The purpose of the spear or stem pole is to give the wheelsman a point of reference to the center line of the ship when steering on a reference point such as a range light or buoy keeping the ship in the center of the channel or lined up with a lock or dock

[Guest]

it's the same thing, the steering pole. some protrude in front of the bow, some stick up ninety degrees. they are attached to wires and can be pulled inward if need be. often there is a wind sock attached. but that's what it is, the steering pole.

[Chris S]

Same thing just a different style, the one shown is for a very high pilot house. The ones that look like spears hanging off the bow do the same job, it just depends how high and far forward the pilot house is.

[ed mertz]

Thanks Jerry but, the 'spar' I am asking about - runs almost parallel to the water and extends beyond the bow of the ship. It almost looks like a spear - pointing outward from the bow of the lakers.

[Jerry]

It is a steering pole used to line up the bow with navigation aids or landmarks.

[ed mertz]

Why do older lakers have a 'steel spar' extending from their bow ? What is the purpose of this item ?