: hi everybody,

: you absolutely MUST check this link !!

: and YES ! REHD ! you too !

: this is unbelieveble 8-)

: http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/lig/r/a/rayf/Ramblers/towboat.html

: build less, paddle more,

: Erez

To set the record straight, that is a "towboat", not a tugboat. It is identified correctly in the URL but incorrectly at the top of the page and in subsequent responses. Sounds like a nit doesn't it? I mean, why do they call a boat that pushes barges a towboat anyway?

In the early 18th century towboats were unpowered and were used to guide log rafts with the help of the river current. The boats themselves were essentially towed by the rafts. Eventually they were powered, allowing upstream travel, but kept the original name.

Although tugboats can also push barges, towboats are better suited due to the square bow. They in turn are not so great for manuevering ships, although I expect the captain on this one now figures he can kick a tugboat captain's ass any day of the week. - Gene