They
furnished Smith with the means of constructing a more complete
model. In the autumn of 1836, a small steam vessel of 10 tons
burthen and six horse-power was built, further to test the
advantages of the invention. This boat was fitted with a wooden
screw of two whole turns. On the 1st of November the vessel was
exhibited to the public on the Paddington Canal, as well as on
the Thames, where she continued to ply until the month of
September 1837.
During the trips upon the Thames, a happy accident occurred,
which first suggested the advantage of reducing the length of the
screw. The propeller having struck upon some obstacle in the
water, about one-half of the length of the screw was broken off,
and it was found that; the vessel immediately shot ahead and
attained a much greater speed than before. In consequence of
this discovery, a new screw of a single turn was fitted to her,
after which she was found to work much better.
Having satisfied himself as to the eligibility of the propeller
in smooth water, Mr. Smith then resolved to take his little
vessel to the open sea, and breast the winds and the waves.
Accordingly, one Saturday in the month of September 1837, he
proceeded in his miniature boat, down the river, from Blackwall
to Gravesend. There he took a pilot on board, and went on to
Ramsgate. He passed through the Downs, and reached Dover in
safety.
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