en.m.wikipedia.org
setting pole or
quant (
quant pole) is a pole, handled by a crew member, to move
boats,
barges (
barge pole) or
punts by pushing the craft in the desired direction. The pole is used to push against the river or sea bed or, in some cases, the bank of the river. If used from the
stern (back) of the craft, the action is usually called "punting". Especially on larger vessels, it is more effective if the operator starts at the bow and walks
aft along a side deck, pushing against the bottom all the way – this action is called "quanting" or "setting". If there is a short stretch where the water is too deep for the pole to reach the bottom, the pole can be used as a paddle. Whilst this is substantially less effective than a bladed oar or paddle, it is sufficient to keep the boat moving.
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