Maintenance

Workboat

Getting

Boat To Suit

Your Needs

One reads much about routine

maintenance, fuel consumption,

and general operation of work boats. But what of the original selection of the craft, the power unit, and the performance ex

pected or required?

WORK boats are general utility vessels and many “work” features can be included to suit the owners’ requirements at the time of building. The correct power can be installed for maximum speed at about 85 per cent, of engine output, which is often the best fuel consump tion point.

Installing the engine for’ard gives spacious room amidships but im pairs efficiency. With amidships in stallation normal efficiency results.

Finally the engine can be installed right aft, driving for’ard to a V-drive return box and back through the conventional stern tube with a nor mal propeller shaft. The latter scheme gives maximum space for cargo, etc., and, provided the engine is not ultra-heavy, it is in a good safe position. Among other things, it keeps water and exhaust pipes short and the noise right aft.

Some owners prefer twin-screw for safety reasons. Naturally this is more expensive, though very good for manoeuvring. Also the question of reliability arises, which may well outweigh any extra costs.

A small auxiliary set can be of use if the boat operates in remote or semi-remote areas. Otherwise an alternator running off the main en gine can give batteries extra boost.

With a new boat the fitting of steering gear is easy, and one has the

choice of positive, i.e. manual, or hydraulic gear. Controls also can be manual or hydraulic.

Exhaust systems vary and Islands owners have distinct preferences in this regard.

Exhaust systems

Dry exhausts have their ad vantages particularly when overhead.

Wet exhausts are usual, that is with circulating water going into the ex haust pipe for silencing and cooling, the wet section being of special rubber which does not rot.

With a new craft, install up-to-date stern or underwater gear (propeller shaft, bracket, rudder, etc.). Excel lent shafting is now available, and very fine propeller alloys. However, it is advisable to fit anode pads near the propeller.

On the original electrical section, good batteries are essential, and while the nickel alkaline type are excellent trouble-free units, there are very good reliable lead-acid types.

Fuel tanks can be “built in” on a new craft, preferably of fairly heavy gauge black iron, with con sequent saving of space.

The general building of a work boat, whether of timber or steel, should be supervised by a reputable, competent Naval architect ex perienced in this type of craft, to ensure that both materials and workmanship are entirely satisfac tory.