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The subject of surface support has come up many times. However, in thinking about any potential future needs for myself, I've put 2 & 2 together and came up with a pretty bullet proof little tug I'd like to share. My needs (should they ever materialize) would be to drag a K-350 sized submersible about 4 nautical miles through Biscayne Bay and out through the Stilltsville channel (against an occasional tide), to dive sites just offshore. (Good days of course, seas 1 - 3). In the past, I spotted this flat bottomed houseboat as an easy/quick, build platform for the family to enjoy the day. (Pay special attention to the construction method of the hull itself)! http://www.bateau.com/studyplans/HB20_study.htm?prod=HB20 But let's face it, ideally you need equipment out there for this type of activity, (charging generator, jerry jugs, lift bags, lines, extra weights, extra cylinders, perhaps a compressor,...etc,..etc). Messy clutter to be sure. You're not dragging this thing a bunch of miles for one stinking little dive now are you? Now take a look at this little push tug http://www.modutechmarine.com/DSC00034.JPG ....and envision a high torque four bladed outboard (perhaps in a well, fancy would be an inboard diesel), a low freeboard version of that hull completely enclosed and watertight with twin bilge keels, a small standing pilot house, towing bitts galore on the stern and sidedecks, a flat deck full of all the goodies properly fastened / stowed. Even an umbrella, cooler and potty for the wife! :) The hull starts with four uncut sheets of ply lying on your garage floor! Pretty nifty I would think. Joe |
