A & B Industries of Morgan City, La., delivered Bill G, a 76 x 26 ft. model-bow tug to
Luhr Bros. Contractor of Columbia, Ill. Bill G will provide service for Luhr Bros. in its construction operations on Lake Michigan. Several special features were required to work in the area due to low bridge clearance and high water conditions. For example, the pilothouse roof is designed to fold down, and both the mast and radar base were designed to meet these requirements. Other features include dual spotlights, on port and one starboard, and bow pudding that extends to the 12 ft. mark.
Main propulsion comes from two Caterpillar 3508B diesels, producing a total of 1,710 hp at 1,800 rpm. The engines are connected to Michigan 70 in. by 60 in. four-bladed, stainless steel wheels through Twin Disc MG-5310DC marine gears with 4.96 to 1 reduction ratios. Bill G's running speed is approximately 13 knots. The Bill G's service power comes from twin Caterpillar 3304B gensets. All of the Caterpillar engines for the tug were serviced by Louisiana Machinery's Morgan City location. The pneumatic controls are from Wabco and the hydraulic steering system from ESI. Tankage inclues 27,310 gal. fuel; 5,624 gal. potable water; 150 gal. lube oil; and 150 gal. hydraulic oil. Bill G has a crew capacity of five.
A & B also recently expanded the dry dock and the dry dock facilities. The facilities have grown to a total of two and a half acres of property and the dry dock has been upgraded to handle vessels up to 200 ft.