Seattle Tug Boat Races

[THD]

Today was the annual Seattle Tug Boat Races. Part of the race is by the Retired Tugboat Association, just for "retired" tugs. We missed going this year, but we went through the big lock this morning with last year's winner Galene, she is about 100', right at 100 years old, wooden hull, with a massive Atlas direct drive diesel (a single!). Watching them try to get her close to the lock wall was pretty interesting-they finally just passed lines and used the bow and stern winches to winch her into the wall.

Also saw this cute little tug at the Salmon Bay Marine Center, it is only about 15' long! Cute little thing.

If you have never seen tugs race, here is a video from the race 2 years ago-great racing at 8 knots! Also, for Mark's benefit-really big wakes!



Seattle Tug Boat Races Heats 2&3 2011.mov - YouTube

 

[Marin]

I wouldn't be surprised if that little 15' tug is actually based on a boom boat with a center pivoting drive.

 

[Conrad]

I wouldn't be surprised if that little 15' tug is actually based on a boom boat with a center pivoting drive.

That was my thought as well.

 

[THD]

Marin:

I am not familiar with those, can you describe?

 

[LaBomba]

Tug boat races are a hoot, I have attached the link to the 2012 Windsor-Detroit International annual tug boat race with many pictures and some interesting vessels.

PHOTOS: 36th Annual International Windsor-Detroit Tug Boat Race | windsoriteDOTca - windsor ontario neighbourhood news, arts, music, events, city guide

 

[Moonstruck]

Boom boats moving log bundles, Knox Bay B.C. - YouTube