The Britannic was in
the first instance constructed with the propeller fitted to work
below the line of keel when in deep water, by which means the
"racing" of the engines was avoided. When approaching shallow
water, the propeller was raised by steam-power to the ordinary
position without any necessity for stopping the engines during
the operation. Although there was an increase of speed by this
means through the uniform revolutions of the machinery in the
heaviest sea, yet there was an objectionable amount of vibration
at certain parts of the vessel, so that we found it necessary to
return to the ordinary fixed propeller, working in the line of
direction of the vessel. Comfort at sea is of even more
importance than speed; and although we had succeeded in four
small steamers working on the new principle, it was found better
to continue in the larger ships to resort to the established
modes of propulsion. It may happen that at some future period
the new method may yet be adopted with complete success.
Meanwhile competition went on with other companies. Monopoly
cannot exist between England and America. Our plans were
followed; and sharper boats and heavier power became the rule of
the day. But increase of horse-power of engines means increase
of heating surface and largely increased boilers, when we reach
the vanishing point of profit, after which there is nothing left
but speed and expense.
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