Mark Twain wrote:
There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact.
I have indulged in just such conjecture about the design of the ferry boat in use at Cammoge in 1849, crossing the outlet from Poulnasherry Bay, west of Kilrush on the Shannon estuary. The news reports of the time give very little information about the design of the boat, and the reliability of that information is questionable, which makes my speculation even more dangerous. Nonetheless, I thought it might be useful to set out some thoughts on the subject in the hope that other folk, who know more about the background, the location or naval architecture than I do, might be able to help to clarify the design.
Irish waterways history 
Hi Brian,
I know this is not related but i just got myself an ipad and was considering buying INavX for it (it costs about €500 so i was wondering if you had any experience with this technology for the inland waterways of ireland?
That should have read €50!!
Michael
I’m afraid I know nothing about navigation software (or indeed hardware). If I were to get some, which I might when we’ve stopped spending money on other boat bits, I’d be seeking something that would work with the new charts being developed here. bjg