Autry Dufrene News

In business since the 1960s, veteran towboater Autry Dufrene of Belle Chasse, La. is having a new boat built at LaForce Shipyard in Bayou LaBatre, Ala. The 1,600 hp, 74 x 28 ft. pushboat incorporates "a semi-camber" design from the keel to the chine on the underside of the aft hull. "It keeps the plate rounded to give extra strength and stop the vibration," explained Dufrene who operates his fleet under the name American Tugs, Inc. Power for the new boat will be provided by a pair of Cummins 12-cylinder KTA38 MO engines developing 800 hp each. This is Dufrene's second boat with the KTA38. He repowered a boat with a pair of the engines over a year ago and has been happy with their performance.

Industry veteran towboater Autry Dufrene of Belle Chasse, La. has contracted the Bayou La Batre, Ala. LaForce Shipyard. Measuring 74 x 28 ft., the 1,600 hp pushboat houses "a semi-camber" design from keel to the chine on the underside of the aft hull. Scheduled for delivery sometime during February, the vessel's power will be provided by a pair of Cummins 12-cylinder KTA38 MO engines developing 800 hp each. The engines will be linked to Twin Disc MG-5301 gears with a 6.39:1 ratio turning 74 x 60 in. propellers.