----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce Napier" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 3:05 PM
Subject: Re: [canals-list] Huffler vs hobbler



On 16 Apr 2009, at 14:16, Ray Butler wrote:

> I always thought hobbler was the canal term, and was in fairly wide
> use.
>
> Huffler is an east coast / Sailing barge term for someone who does
> the same
> sort of thing but for seagoing boats / barges - helping with
> mooring, towing
> or shafting round awkward creeks etc. Much used in Bob Roberts'
> excellent
> reminiscences.


Since my original query, I've turned up a kids book by Jill Paton
Walsh called The Huffler, about a girl who joins a working canal boat.

Usage of the two terms does seem to  overlap.
--
All the best

Bruce
..............................................................................

Peter Nichols had a sailing barge on display at the Earls Court Boat Show
many years ago. I don't know how many he built, but they were called
Hufflers. I was very tempted with the boat on display - but resisted!!

Phil 

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