Scow vs. Barge: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 22, 2024
A scow is a flat-bottomed boat used for transporting bulk materials, often with a simple design, while a barge is a large, flat-bottomed vessel used for cargo transport on rivers and canals, often towed or pushed by a tugboat.
Key Differences
A scow is a flat-bottomed boat with a squared bow, commonly used for transporting bulk materials such as sand, gravel, or refuse. Scows are typically simple in design, sometimes equipped with a sail or engine, and are often seen in shallow waters where maneuverability is essential. A barge, on the other hand, is a larger, flat-bottomed vessel designed for the transportation of heavy or bulky cargo on rivers, canals, and coastal waters. Barges are usually towed or pushed by tugboats and are essential for commercial freight operations.
While scows are usually smaller and more utilitarian, designed for specific, often short-distance tasks, barges are integral to large-scale commercial transport, capable of carrying significant loads over longer distances. Scows are often associated with local or small-scale operations, whereas barges are a key component of the global shipping industry.
In terms of design, scows are simpler and more rugged, focusing on functionality in various conditions, especially in shallow waters. Barges, however, are more diverse in design, tailored for different types of cargo, including liquids, containers, and bulk goods.
Scows have a more limited scope of use, often for transporting construction materials or waste, whereas barges have a wide range of applications, from transporting goods to serving as floating platforms for construction or even as living quarters.
Comparison Chart
Design
Flat-bottomed, squared bow
Flat-bottomed, large cargo hold
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Size
Typically smaller
Larger, varying sizes
Propulsion
Often non-self-propelled, sometimes with sails or engines
Usually towed or pushed by tugboats, sometimes self-propelled
Common Use
Transporting bulk materials, local operations
Commercial freight transport, large-scale operations
Water Type
Shallow waters
Rivers, canals, coastal waters
Cargo Type
Bulk materials like sand, gravel, refuse
Diverse cargo including containers, liquids, bulk goods
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Versatility
Limited to specific tasks
Highly versatile, wide range of applications
Construction
Simple, rugged
Diverse, optimized for various cargo types
Scow and Barge Definitions
Scow
A type of vessel sometimes equipped with sails or an engine.
The old scow had a small sail to help it move with the wind.
Barge
A versatile transport option for various types of cargo.
The barge was loaded with grain for shipment to the port.
Scow
A flat-bottomed boat with a squared bow used for transporting bulk materials.
The scow was loaded with sand for the construction site.
Barge
A boat designed for commercial freight operations on inland waterways.
The barge was towed by a powerful tugboat through the canal.
Scow
A rugged, functional boat used in construction and maintenance projects.
The scow transported gravel for the new road project.
Barge
A vessel that can be self-propelled or non-self-propelled.
The self-propelled barge delivered oil to the refinery.
Scow
A simple, utilitarian vessel often seen in shallow waters.
The scow navigated the narrow river with ease.
Barge
A long, large, usually flatbottom boat for transporting freight that is generally unpowered and towed or pushed by other craft.
Scow
A boat designed for hauling refuse or debris.
Workers used a scow to clear the debris from the harbor.
Barge
A large, open pleasure boat used for parties, pageants, or formal ceremonies.
Scow
A large flatbottom boat with square ends, used chiefly for transporting freight.
Barge
A powerboat reserved for the use of an admiral.
Scow
A large flat-bottomed boat, having broad, square ends.
Barge
To carry by barge.
Scow
(transitive) To transport in a scow.
Barge
To move about clumsily.
Scow
A large flat-bottomed boat, having broad, square ends.
Barge
To intrude or interrupt, especially rudely
Barged into the meeting.
Scow
To transport in a scow.
Barge
A large flat-bottomed towed or self-propelled boat used mainly for river and canal transport of heavy goods or bulk cargo.
Scow
Any of various flat-bottomed boats with sloping ends
Barge
A richly decorated ceremonial state vessel propelled by rowers for river processions.
Scow
A barge carrying bulk materials in an open hold
Barge
A large flat-bottomed coastal trading vessel having a large spritsail and jib-headed topsail, a fore staysail and a very small mizen, and having leeboards instead of a keel.
Barge
One of the boats of a warship having fourteen oars
Barge
The wooden disk in which bread or biscuit is placed on a mess table.
Barge
(US) A double-decked passenger or freight vessel, towed by a steamboat.
Barge
A large omnibus used for excursions.
Barge
To intrude or break through, particularly in an unwelcome or clumsy manner.
Barge
(transitive) To push someone.
Barge
A pleasure boat; a vessel or boat of state, elegantly furnished and decorated.
Barge
A large, roomy boat for the conveyance of passengers or goods; as, a ship's barge; a charcoal barge.
Barge
A large boat used by flag officers.
Barge
A double-decked passenger or freight vessel, towed by a steamboat.
Barge
A large omnibus used for excursions.
Barge
A flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
Barge
Push one's way;
She barged into the meeting room
Barge
Transport by barge on a body of water
Barge
A large, flat-bottomed vessel used for transporting heavy or bulky cargo.
The barge carried hundreds of containers along the river.
Barge
A key component in the global shipping industry for inland transport.
The barge network efficiently moves goods across the country.
FAQs
What is a barge?
A barge is a large, flat-bottomed vessel designed for the transportation of heavy or bulky cargo on rivers, canals, and coastal waters.
How is a scow propelled?
Scows are often non-self-propelled but can sometimes have sails or small engines.
Where are scows commonly used?
Scows are commonly used in shallow waters for local operations, such as transporting construction materials or waste.
What is a scow?
A scow is a flat-bottomed boat with a squared bow, used for transporting bulk materials like sand, gravel, or refuse.
What kind of cargo do scows carry?
Scows typically carry bulk materials like sand, gravel, and refuse.
How is a barge propelled?
Barges are usually towed or pushed by tugboats, though some are self-propelled.
Where are barges commonly used?
Barges are used on rivers, canals, and coastal waters for large-scale commercial freight transport.
What are scows made of?
Scows are made of rugged, simple materials designed for functional use in various conditions.
Are scows used for long-distance transport?
No, scows are generally used for short-distance, local transport tasks.
Can barges be used in deep water?
Barges can be used in deeper waters, especially coastal areas, but are primarily designed for rivers and canals.
What kind of cargo do barges carry?
Barges can carry diverse cargo, including containers, liquids, and bulk goods.
Are scows motorized?
Scows can be motorized but often are not; they might rely on towing or manual propulsion.
Do scows have cabins or living quarters?
Scows generally do not have cabins or living quarters, focusing on cargo transport.
Can scows be used in deep water?
Scows are typically not suitable for deep water and are used in shallow waters.
Do barges have cabins or living quarters?
Some barges have cabins or living quarters, especially those used for long-distance transport.
What industries use barges?
Industries involved in commercial freight, agriculture, oil, and more use barges.
Are barges motorized?
Some barges are self-propelled with engines, while others are towed or pushed by tugboats.
What industries use scows?
Industries like construction, waste management, and local transport use scows.
What are barges made of?
Barges are constructed from durable materials and optimized for specific cargo types.
Are barges used for long-distance transport?
Yes, barges are used for long-distance transport of goods over inland waterways.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
