SS United States

[Fletcher500]

The big yards in the U.S are doing Naval and MSC (I believe they have a different name now) which are crewed by merchant marine officers. They are not building cruise ships, tankers, or container ships in the U.S.

Its not economical and doesn't make sense on many levels, but I think its sad to see these old steam ships go away. A big part of our history.

[Northern Spy]

The US Navy cost overruns are breathtaking.

This is not a great way to construct anything that requires profitability.

So yeah, being that the only cruise ship built in my lifetime in the US, Pride of America, was subsidized by the government, and still had to be towed to and finished in Germany, pretty much proves that the US cannot build cruise ships.

[Lou_tribal]

Originally Posted by foggysail

Come on!!! We build the worlds BEST AIRCRAFT CARRIERS AND WE CANNOT BUILD THE WORLDS BEST CRUISE SHIPS???? REALLY???

Well to illustrate what I was trying to say I will use cars as an example.
US are building great pickup and there is no doubt about it but like someone said before, best things are sold by the gram, not tons
And please forgive me, no intend to offense anybody sensitivity.

L

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Lou_tribal

Please do not misunderstand me and be sure there is nothing pretentious in my comment.
Maybe the reason why cruise ships are built in europe is craftsmanship.
As an example French are known for their luxury products and their competencies in luxury cruise ship. I guess it is very different to build a container ship and a cruise ship.

L

There is some incredible craftmanship on US built yachts, better than cruise ships.

[Nomad Willy]

Aircraft carriers are blessed w very deep pockets.

[Fletcher500]

Original 1952 Popular Science article on the construction of the ship: https://www.popsci.com/ssus

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. F. Thanks for that. The article states 990' length and 10 1/2' beam. (unless I misread, somehow). Hmmm....My OWN boat has a 15' beam!

[foggysail]

Originally Posted by Northern Spy

The US Navy cost overruns are breathtaking.

This is not a great way to construct anything that requires profitability.

So yeah, being that the only cruise ship built in my lifetime in the US, Pride of America, was subsidized by the government, and still had to be towed to and finished in Germany, pretty much proves that the US cannot build cruise ships.

In my younger years I was a circuit design engineer helping develop complex military radar and fire control systems. A major cost driver for those systems is related to both component and system specifications. A good example from my experience systems had to function over a temperature range of -50 to 110 degrees centigrade plus numerous shock and vibration requirements. But even simple things such as paint colors are covered with book like specifications.

I used to believe that the so called $100 toilet seat popularized by news networks that the government actually got a bargain at that price. Same for hammers!

And the Gerald Ford carrier which was towed after pipe failure has numerous state of the art technologies so early life failures can be expected.

[Northern Spy]

I'm ex US Navy. Submarines. I'm not being judgemental, I'm just stating truths.

The problem isn't in design or engineering, it's in contract execution and project management.

[TugYacht_33]

Originally Posted by Northern Spy

I'm ex US Navy. Submarines. I'm not being judgemental, I'm just stating truths.

The problem isn't in design or engineering, it's in contract execution and project management.

change orders........... one of the biggest scams in contracting

[Gordon Lane]

Not a great deal of patriotism being shown over there! You bought the QM so thought this one would be a certainty. Saw her myself late one evening in the Delaware and she has got charisma.

[john61ct]

Nationalism, any kind of tribalism is just a scam by TPTB to keep their money and power securely rolling in

[BruceK]

Perhaps emotion will save it, but huge amounts of $$$ will be needed.
I read with great sadness the current plight of the South Steyne, another charismatic steam ship with an amazing history. If you can save yours it will be a huge achievement. Remember, the accommodation it will offer will, without much change, fall far short of current cruising patrons expectations.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...b40-1517112242

[Gordon Lane]

Gudday mate, reckon you oughta get you countries sorted. This is NZ we beat you guys twice for the America’s Cup remember - still got it as I recall.
What would I know about an Aussie ferry boat - p.s. heard of the All Blacks [emoji6]

[Wayfarer]

These classic passenger liners have always been a love of mine. I've read everything I can about them, I've built models of them, I've got them hanging on my walls, and I've stayed aboard the Queen Mary. I used to work at a museum where this was our primary subject matter. Nobody wants to see the Big U sailing again more than I do. Hell, I've even been suckered into donating money to the cause (not much.)

It's not going to happen.

There's not enough support. There's not enough money. She needs too much work. There have already been several attempts to salvage her, and every single one has failed. It's sad to see her go, but it's time.

[markpierce]

Those ocean liners were much more graceful looking than the overgrown hotels passing for cruise ships.

[Gordon Lane]

Your absolutely correct!
Days when naval architects could consider aesthetics.
Listen guys $3 each you would have a $1b - I’ll put in my 3 bucks [emoji15]

[Sailor of Fortune]

Originally Posted by Fletcher500

The big yards in the U.S are doing Naval and MSC (I believe they have a different name now) which are crewed by merchant marine officers. They are not building cruise ships, tankers, or container ships in the U.S.

Its not economical and doesn't make sense on many levels, but I think its sad to see these old steam ships go away. A big part of our history.

Akers Shipbuilding in Philadelphia IS building tankers. Crowley has had several Jones act tankers delivered. I believe OSG (Over Sea Group) has had tankers delivered as well. Akers is the old Philadelphia Naval ship yard.

[bluebyu]

Post 27
Noticed the typo as well
Beam is 101 feet

[O C Diver]

She will be scrapped. If government money isn't involved (shouldn't be ), it's not economically feasible to make her some sort of building next to a dock. Also, because of decks design, it wouldn't work well as a large public access building such as a mall or museum. Finally too much time has passed from when she stopped running for the emotional attachment. If it was going to work, it should have been done 30 years ago when she was no longer profitable as a ship. Her only hope is for someone with more money than common sense.

Ted