Kirby Moran is new in the sixth boro this year; Laura K. was new in 2008; Gramma Lee T arrived here in 2002 and has now shifted south to Miami. And Eric McAllister arrived here last year. They pretty much resemble each other until you look at the numbers. Bear with me as we first compare their lines from similar perspectives.
So let’s compare horsepower, loa x breadth, and propulsion.
Kirby Moran: 6000, 88.7′ x 38′ , 2x medium speed, two cycle, EMD ME12G7C-T3 with Schottel SRP 1515 FP z drives
Laura K Moran: 5100, 87.4 x 32′, 2x Detroit Diesel MTU with Schottel z drives
Gramma Lee T Moran: 5100, 87.4 x 32′, 2x EMD 12-645F7B with Ulstein 1650H z drives
Eric McAllister: 5150, 91.8′ x 36′, 2x Tier III compliant Caterpillar 3516CHD with Schottel SRP1215 z drives
Conclusion of the non-engineer layperson that I am: Check out Kirby’s 38′ breadth. Seabulk has several like this one with less length and even greater breadth.
Much of this info comes from here, but all photos are by Will Van Dorp.
5 comments
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August 5, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Daniel Meeter
What effect does breadth have on traction?
August 5, 2015 at 2:51 pm
Daniel Meeter
Or “beam”.
August 5, 2015 at 4:06 pm
tugster
I’m no naval architect, but it’s logical that the greater the beam, the more stability, esp given that z-drives enable omnidirectionality.
August 5, 2015 at 4:50 pm
tugpower
Wider beam definitely gives greater stability, but also allows more room for the larger horsepower engines, and gives crew accommodations larger breathing space. http://www.professionalmariner.com/American-Tugboat-Review-2012/Moran-acquires-the-first-of-a-new-class-of-broad-beam-docking-tugs/, http://www.professionalmariner.com/American-Tugboat-Review-2013/Tugboat-roundup/
August 5, 2015 at 5:15 pm
tugster
tugpower . . . good point about the larger engines accommodated by the greater beam. i’d love one day to have a tour of Kirby moran. anyone help?