A quant (quant pole) is a pole used to propel a barge (barge pole) or punt through water. A barge quant often has a cap at the top and a prong at the bottom to stop it from sinking into the mud. On the Norfolk Broads these are called a Bott and a Shoe respectively. A quant used with a punt is about 4 metres long and made from either wood or a hollow metal, so that in either case it floats if left in the water.
On the Norfolk Broads a quant is used to propel yachts, especially those lacking an engine, when the wind does not suit. Large sailing wherries employed a quant pole at least 8 metres in length.
A quant is used not only to propel such craft, but also to steer them by acting as a rudder. The operator of the quant can stick the quant behind the barge or punt to determine the direction of travel.
There is also a popular saying: "I wouldn't touch that thing with a barge pole!" (sometimes rendered as "10 foot pole").
Read more about Quant Pole: Using A Quant
Famous quotes containing the word pole:
“This man was very clever and quick to learn anything in his line. Our tent was of a kind new to him; but when he had once seen it pitched, it was surprising how quickly he would find and prepare the pole and forked stakes to pitch it with, cutting and placing them right the first time, though I am sure that the majority of white men would have blundered several times.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)