How Big are River Boats?

[alsih2o]

it is most assuredly possible...but speed is torn to hecky-durn if you have to much resistance or not enuf sail...one bad factor and it is quicker to walk

 

[Hand of Evil]

Depends on the river but yes they can be sailed up, many are easily to travel. And it not that big of a deal in a fantasy game using wind elemental or such.

Rivers in history are as roadways are today.

 

[Jack Haggerty]

Allow me to direct your attention to Table 9-6: Mounts and Vehicles on page 143 of the Player's Handbook...

Ship, Raft or Barge (poled or towed)* -- 1/2 mile per hour, 5 miles per day.

* Rafts barges and keelboats are used on lakes and rivers. If going downstream, ass the speed of the current (typically 3 mph) to the speed of the vehicle. In addition to 10 hours of being rowed, the vehicle can also float as additional 14 hours, if someone can guide it, so add an additional 42 miles to the daily distance traveled. These vehicles can't be rowed against any significant current, but they can be pulled upstream by draft animals on the shore.

I'd say 1/2 to 1 mile an hour sailing a glorified barge upstream is probably about right, depending on the wind.