The Appomattox River was cleared for bateau by 1745.
These boats were the same dimensions as the James River bateau, sixty feet long, six feet wide and two feet deep.
 It was also designed to carry the largest load through the smallest parts of the river system.
 Unlike the James River bateau, the Appomattox trips went up and down river so they were not designed to be sold as lumber at the end of the voyage.

The Virginia General Assembly passed laws to protect navigation on the James River and Appomattox.
By statute, a dam could not be built unless it had locks for boat passage.
The Appomattox River was cleared for bateau by 1745. These boats were the same dimensions as the James River bateau, sixty feet long, six feet wide and two feet deep.  It was also designed to carry the largest load through the smallest parts of the river system.  Unlike the James River bateau, the Appomattox trips went up and down river so they were not designed to be sold as lumber at the end of the voyage.
The Virginia General Assembly passed laws to protect navigation on the James River and Appomattox. By statute, a dam could not be built unless it had locks for boat passage.
Upper Appomattox Canal Navigation System