What structural vulnerability of paddlewheels made them less desirable than screw propellers?

Answer

Large, exposed paddle boxes that protruded from the hull

Paddlewheels required massive, dedicated structures known as paddle boxes that extended from the ship's hull. These structures compromised the ship's stability and created a large, vulnerable target that was easily damaged by enemy fire or heavy seas, whereas screw propellers allowed for a submerged, protected, and more streamlined configuration.

What structural vulnerability of paddlewheels made them less desirable than screw propellers?

#Videos

SS Archimedes - the Sea Trials - YouTube

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