SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING FISHING VESSELS. 
179 
result is, of course, much to the disadvantage of the market fisherman, since any 
uncertainty about obtaining fish in good condition tends to decrease the demand, and 
thereby to make the price lower than it otherwise would be. 
The demand in southern California will not at the present time warrant the 
employment of large fishing vessels or steamers to supply the ports with fresh fish, but 
it seems entirely feasible to improve the market fishery very materially by using small 
welled boats in which fish can be kept alive. This would insure, beyond all question, 
placing the products of the fisheries upon the market in the best possible condition, 
and would doubtless lead to a material increase in the demand, to the advantage of both 
fisherman and consumer. 
Mr. A. B. Alexander, who has visited the region referred to, as fishery expert on 
board of the Fish Commission steamer Albatross^ and who had a good opportunity to 
note the boats, and condition of the fisheries there, writes as follows: 
“ A smack would be the proper vessel to use in this locality, audit seems strange 
that that class of vessel has never been employed in the California fisheries. In 
summer there is but little demand for fish in the markets south of San Francisco, 
owing to the fact that nearly all fish which are exposed for sale are in a partially- 
decomposed state. Ice is too high for fishermen and fish-dealers to think of using it 
for preserving fish. By using smacks fresh fish could be constantly kept on hand. 
He who first engages in this business will do well.” 
Deeming this a matter of more than ordinary importance, I have prepared plans 
(Plates 16, 17, 18) of a sailing welled boat, which can be built at a moderate cost, and 
I believe it will be well adapted to the market fishery of southern California, and may, 
perhaps, also be profitably employed at San Francisco and elsewhere on the west 
coast.^ 
In making the designs for this boat I have been influenced somewhat by considera- 
tion of the fact that she can carry comparatively little ballast, owing to her buoyancy 
being decreased to the extent of the capacity of the well. Therefore she has ample 
beam to give her the requisite stability. Since it is also necessary to have as much 
capacity in the well as practicable, her depth is considerable. This feature will, 
however, imiirove her sea-going qualities. 
If a portion of the ballast can be put outside, in the form of a metal keel, it will add • 
materially to the stability, and, at the same time, make the boat easier in a sea-way, 
since then the weights will be more central than if put inside, where they can be placed 
only forward and aft of the well. 
The arrangement of the deck and interior must be adapted to the special needs 
of those who use the boat, and may vary considerably in different localities. I will 
suggest, however, that tolerably comfortable quarters for sleeping and cooking can be 
had forward of the well (Plate 17, fig. 2), and in that part (T the boat the deck might 
be nearly flush with the rail, as indicated, to give the maximum of head-room. Aft 
of the cuddy the deck might be lower, as shown in the plan, and in the hold, abaft 
the well and on each side of it, can be stowed nets, lines, etc., also fish that die in the 
well, or otherwise. 
' lu most cases it will doubtless be most economical for those fishermen who have suitable boats 
to build wells iu the boats they now own. This can be done at little cost. It will probably be 
necessary to use a live-car in connection with each boat, this to be moored at the market port for the 
storage of such fish as can not be immediately disposed of. 
