The “Fairmount” passes through Lock 17 in the Cornwall Canal. This lock enjoyed the dubious distinction of being the lock that dictated the maximum size of any ship wishing to use the canal system. Officially 45 feet wide at the waterline, its masonry walls shifted after construction, leaving the bottom only 43 feet 8 inches. About 4 feet off the bottom (usually where the widest part of a ship was when in the water), the width was 44 feet. “Canalers” were therefore designed to have a maximum width of 43 feet 7 inches at the bilge line.