The Joey

The Joey is one of the most typical boats of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. They were un-named  although they had identification numbers and were the un-remarked scruffy work horses of the system carrying all cargoes. In spite of the fact that the Birmingham system is very extensive the point to point distances are quite modest and it was feasible for the boat crews to live in houses ashore going to the boats daily. They were mostly propelled by horses although they were on some occasions formed into trains behind powered tugs. (Please see Nansen II ) These boats did not have cabins although some were fitted with very basic box shelters to enable the crew to make tea or in emergency sleep overnight. The basic design is an open boat made of either wood or later iron or steel. Some were double ended and had rudder pintles (hinges) at both ends to avoid the need to turn or "wind" it in narrow waterways. The rudder of "helm" was removed by the steerer at night. The usual load was coal although domestic rubbish, ash or other bulk cargoes were carried.

Much trade in Birmingham was from factories situated in congested built up areas to exchange basins where goods were transferred from the boats into railway wagons for onward transport. This made canal transport attractive to the Railway Companies and the Birmingham Navigations were well maintained when other canals were being neglected.

Joeys were so unregarded that they were seemingly never photographed, and there is difficulty in obtaining good photographs of one for display.

Our Joey boat is believed to have been built by Harris Brothers in 1927.

Here are a number of Joeys in the Black Country near a colliery. The boat in the foreground is laden with coal and under way. Most of the others are awaiting loads.