Scarf

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Schalde is a medieval expression for narrow, but especially shallow boats with very little draft. These were often used to cross rivers with strong currents ( Rhine ), for example . The expression Schalde is therefore still a synonym for ferry in many places .

The shallow draft made the barges less sensitive to the current of the river than comparable larger ships . At the same time, however, due to the shallow draft, shells were quite unstable and therefore sensitive to waves. The danger of overturning a scarf made a river crossing a not inconsiderable risk in earlier times.

From the 17th century onwards, the shalden crossings of large rivers were replaced by so-called Gierponten .