Kiwis and speed boats for tugs

[Tony Mattson]

Yeah thanks Derek (I think). Now I understand why my Bud Light tunnel
hull hasn't been making an impact in our towing comps!

But seriously ... if you have the opportunity to look through Phil
Thomas's book British Steam Tugs, then do have a look at the photo on
page 214 (1997 reprint). The caption reads:

"This 'Cock' tug ... was 'girted' and under the strain the tow rope
broke. The tug has moved bodily sideways about six feet. The crew have
wisely moved to the higher side of the tug and forward to be clear of
the flailing end of the rope."

To one side of the heeling tug is a spectacular haze of self-destructing
tow rope. On the other side are four crewmen sheltering behind the
superstructure. They're lucky to have had the time to get there I
suspect.

Just above the photo there's a note about the Cory tug REALM, (68ft, 50
tons) girted and capsised in 1897 while assisting a 172 ft ship carrying
400 tons of coal.

I guess a moment's inattention is one moment too many

[KC6OLD]

UK & European tugs seem to have their tow points far foreword while American
tugs have it far aft. I realize that far foreword gives more towing
maneuverability. (Consider the tow point as the fulcrum and every thing else tends to
rotate around it.)
Dave


General manager & sump cleaner:
Foggy Bottom's Boatyard