Small boats | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Small boats

Small boats

Detail cropped from this photo: http://gwulo.com/atom/20375

Date picture taken (may be approximate): 
Thursday, January 1, 1925

Comments

The boat may be the 'Tomijima Maru' next to Queen's Pier as seen below: The Tomijima Maru was a steam tug built by the Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Co.

1920s Tomijima Maru alongside Praya Central
1920s Tomijima Maru alongside Praya Central, by Moddsey

 

The picture with the boat hanging on the poles are in fact quadrantle davits the same type as on British Men of War.  Each davit holding the boat can be turned 180 degrees, first one davit then the other thus bringing the boat to hang over the quay side and lowered onto the ground or water line if so desired.  The boats may well be used to row to anchored or moored ships in the middle of Victoria Harbour.  Another suggestion is that they could be life boats. Not of chinese design nor Royal Navy due to the seating configuration.  Possiby four oarsmen and a Coxswain to man the craft.

 

Regards

 

Franky