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Tiny Tug Boat

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by chesapeake46, Dec 1, 2015.

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  1. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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  2. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    HAH, I happen to speak that language. These are "opduwers"..... literally translated "up pushers". In the early 20th century many of the "flatbottom" cargo ships were sail powered. As the combustion engine came into vogue it slowly found it's way into marine commerce, but as you can imagine many of these skipper owned freighters weren't ready to just throw that coin out there, I mean with 7 kids to feed and all that. So the opduwers were used to help them in and out of locks, docks and all that.
  3. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Here's an example.... color retouched but it appears to be an original photo... not sure where the mast went....

    Attached Files:

  4. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    There is an equivalent here in the US..... Oysterboats on the Chesapeake, which towards the end were allowed to operate as long as they didn't have an engine.... so, you just put the engine in the dinghy.......

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  5. SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    out on the dock
  6. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Same thing, but being recreated in the current age..... There is a good following of people in Holland that maintain these little "ships" as a hobby....

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  7. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    As an aside, there is also a fanatical following of the old freighters.... In fact there are about 15 or so in a competition where they race a few times a year. This is SERIOUS business. Boats are owned by "syndicates" which are villages, the local grocery store and gas station and so on. Competition is FIERCE.... here's an example.

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  8. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Here's some action.....



    And yes, occasionally they push them hard enough where they collide or flip them.... (mind you these things are 60+ feet and steel)

  9. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    That's some crazy stuff eh? (OK, my people are a little nuts....)

    Did I answer your question,:p
  10. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I have a great application for one of these boats. Do any of you know whether any are available in the North East, USA?
  11. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Never seen one this side of the pond. I also suspect many of them are on the maritime historic register which may restrict exportation. That said, I'm sure I can get you plans and they wouldn't be too much of a headache for an accomplished fabricator/welder.
  12. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I did a quick search after your post. There are some replicas? and other tiny tugs available here in the NE. Finding the right little beauty will become my winter project! Thanks
  13. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    My pleasure.... lol.
  14. tristanrowe

    tristanrowe Member

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    Ok not the Dutch original but these are available closer to you - http://www.berkeley-engineering.com/CanduE-Z.html
  15. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

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    Likewise...Thanks!
    A part of sea life we enjoy to read about.
  16. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Perfect explanation, thank you.
  17. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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  18. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    They are cute little boogers, I can see how people get attached to them
  19. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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  20. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Poor man's Jet-Ski?