The Steamboating Forum

Hello from Saginaw, Michigan! First post, been lurking for awhile though. Interesting site. Don't have any solid plans yet, still exploring. I have secured plans from Reliable and Mal Low, - 20' Tug designs. Leaning toward an alloy hull at the moment, not wholly settled on which hull form to go with, it's a difficult choice. The Saltys a great design, trailerable I guess even after scaling up 10%, the beam comes in right at 8', per Detroit Tugs wonderful thread. The Pelikan is a bit more beamy, but lighter and maybe a little less costly for the hull materials. There are a couple other designs (Hankinson) worthy of consideration, still have some time to invest in the "homework" end.

Welcome. You are in the right place for sure.

I suspect that you will not be starting anything soon from what I see of the weather in your area. Unlike those people in the South and in Southern California, the rest of us get to spend our Winters planning and researching.

Are you a metal worker? I'm a machinist but I haven't considered a steel or aluminum hull because of my rather limited welding skills.

Mike

Welcome fellow Michigander. Glad to see some more folk in the area get interested in the hobby. There are about half dozen steamboaters in the lower part of the state.

-Ron

Thanks Mike, Ron - I agree the Michigan winters seem to get longer every year, don't they? I'm looking for a Dad and sons project, and this would certainly be a doozey! A lot of work and many disciplines involved. Semi-retired foundry Millwright, Steamfitter, Weldor. I am looking into aviation-style gas welding, seems slow but I have time. The weld itself is plenty adequate for strength and all, won't require a new expensive machine and accessories, freq box, etc, plus we've no 3 phase. I already have the cylinders and the brass, it may be the way to go. Thanks Ron,for the inspiration- I think you really went over the top! I keep thinking how neat it would be to watch the Saginaw and Bay City fireworks from the aft deck of a tug, on some not too distant independence day. Maybe some overnighters up to Traverse City or over to Grand Haven and of course the Steam meets look good too.

Welcome to the forum