Cat 3516Bs Chosen for Inland Waterways Push Boat
The first U.S. inland waterways tow vessel powered by electronically controlled Caterpillar 3500 Series B marine propulsion engines is currently under construction at Quality Shipyard, Houma, La. The new boat will enter service on the Ohio River system in November, 1999 for Mulzer Crushed Stone, Tell City, Ind. Corning Townsend of CT Marine designed the boat's structure to be similar to an existing Mulzer vessel, but increased the hull length and designed the underwater shape, propulsion system, and rudders to increase overall efficiency, reduce cavitation, and improve steering control both ahead and astern. Propulsion will be provided by two Cat 3516Bs rated 1,800 bhp (1,342 kW) at 1,200 rpm. The engines will turn Bollinger 100 in. x 76 in. wheels through Reintjes WAF 1562, 5.4:1 gears.
Steady Work for Inland River Towboat Builder
Launched in 1972, Marine Builders Inc. has remained a model of consistency, churning out a healthy mix of towboats and - more recently - passenger vessels, each year of its existence. Beginning with Quarto 1, launched back in 1971, towboat construction has always been the company's bread and butter, but the company has built drydocks, dredges, cruise vessels, barges; and has even formed a new sister company which builds pedestrian bridges over waterways. Company President and Owner David W. Evanczyk began his boat-building career in the 1960's with Yates Marine Construction, in Wheeling, W.V. Evanczyk moved to the Louisville area at the request of Jack Yates, with the intent to form a new shipyard company in the area.
