| | | | | | | | | | | | {Light breeze; May 23 | W. by N. | 78 | 333 | 43·20 | 60·21 | { dense fogs at | | | | | | { times. | | | | | | May 24 | .. | 68 | 357 | 41·08 | 67·51 | Ditto, ditto. | | | | | | May 25 |To S. Hook,| .. | 278 | .. | .. | {Anchd.off Sandy | | | | | | { Hook, 6 A.M. -------+-----------+--------+---------+----------+----------+------------------+ [257] See Appendix No. 16, p. 614, for particulars of this passage. [258] The _Germanic_ (June 1875) made the passage from Queenstown to Sandy Hook in 7 days, 23 hours, and 7 minutes actual time. See details of her log, Appendix No. 17. [259] The following are some of the principal dimensions of the _Britannic_: Feet. In. Length between perpendiculars 455 0 Length over all 468 0 Breadth of beam 45 3 Depth of hold 34 0 Net register tonnage 3,174-15/100 tons. She has accommodation for 1,300 passengers, and 150 crew. [260] _Engineering_, weekly journal, London, 20th November, 1874. [261] On arriving in shallow water or nearing a port the screw is raised, so that the bottom of it is above the level of the keel, and when the blades require examining or replacing, the shaft can be raised still higher, thus exposing the boss and allowing ready access when the ship is in light trim. The last two lengths of shafting are connected with an universal joint which works in a chamber in the after end of the tunnel and is at all times accessible to the engineers. The bush is guided by two cheeks on the stern-post, and raised by means of rods with gearing on the middle deck either by a steam-engine or by a hand winch placed on the upper deck, additional power being always at command through the medium of the capstan. The want of the customary keel pieces joining the inner and outer stern-post conveys an appearance of weakness, but this is amply compensated by the increased width and additional thickness at the head of the screw aperture; and the centre of effort of the rudder being raised above the ordinary height. A false foot is fitted to the bottom of the rudder-post and this foot can be readily removed, allowing the screw boss to be changed without disturbing the shaft, which is another very important feature.—_Ibid._, 20th November, 1874. [262] Messrs. Ismay, Imrie, & Co. state: “With regard to the _Britannic’s_ screw propeller, it can be worked at any depth, and need not be stopped whilst the lowering or raising is being proceeded with.” [263]