Reporting from the Columbia

[toesup]

Special Toesup report from the Columbia River, Portland

While i was out yesterday getting some more epoxy, i did a little bit of a 'tour' seeking information and pics regarding local nautical goings on.

1/ Diversified Marine
Having heard that Diversified http://www.diversifiedmarineinc.com/ were building a couple of tugs for Crowley, i stopped by to see what i could learn.
The guy's there were not particularly helpfull (Citing 'confidentiality') but did tell me that the tug's they were building for Crowley were push type tugs and were destined for Alaska. One (of two) is already on the water being fitted out and the other is 'progressing'.
The official launch date is about three months away....

I wasnt allowed to take pics from the yard, however, i could get a pic of progress from the other side of the river... :D

I will endevour to bring you more news on these tugs.... ;)

2/ LCI 713
Having seen this from the I5 bridge several times, i decided to find out more...
I met up with some of the volunteer restoration crew on the dock and got the full guided tour and information. LCI 713 is one of only two LCI's left in original condition and is being restored to her former glory.
LCI 713 saw 'action' at both Normandy and the invasion of Italy during WW2 so is well worth saving!..
Unfortunatly she is minus her engines, shafts and props, but the 'crew' are in the process of aquiring replacements. LCI 713 is also in (urgent) need of dry dock facilities.. she was built of only 1/4" steel and 60+ years of immersion in water have taken its toll on the hull.
They have a website.. http://www.amphibiousforces.org/ and are always on the lookout for volunteers...

3/ YT 269 ‘Sakarissa’
Next to LCI 713 sits Sakarissa, a 1940's YT tug.
I also got the full tour of the tug which is intended to be restored to her former glory by the volunteers of the LCI group. Even though she is in poor condition, the basic structure is 'sound' and actually is still quite sea-worthy.
Currently there are 'legal issues' that are outstanding with the Tug, but the group are hopefull she will remain in Portland and become part of a 'living history' pair.

I'm planning to go back to both LCI 713 and YT 269 to offer my 'services' as a volunteer on Saturday mornings whenever possible.

[Aerominded]

Cool, Toes!!! :D

[norgale]

That's really great Toes. Restoring a real ship that size will be a very big challange to those people. I'm sure they will appreciate your help. I'd love to see some pictures of the inside of these two old ships if you have any. Wonder what an engine room looks like with no engines? Where will they ever find proper engines and props and shafts for these ships? That's got to be hugely expensive. What will they have to do to the hull? Pete

[Kmot]

Sweet!

[toesup]

I'd love to see some pictures of the inside of these two old ships if you have any. Wonder what an engine room looks like with no engines? Where will they ever find proper engines and props and shafts for these ships? That's got to be hugely expensive. What will they have to do to the hull?

I didnt get pics of the insides, though i will on my next visit.. ;)
The engine room looked.. well 'empty'... :D

From what i was told, they have 'aquired' some replacement engines (or are in the process) and props / shafts. They just need the finances / help to go get them.

The hull just needs an inspection and re-plating where necessary. Some of the deck plating was in need of urgent replacement, so i guess some of the hull could be in the same condition.. :eek:

[sleb]

Toes,
I just checked out the site. That is one beautiful job they have done so far. Good luck to you and all who are working on her.
Steve :D

[jerryj98501]

Toesup, go to http://www.diversifiedmarineinc.com/ and look at the pictures of hull 20. I usually go to their website to see the new builds. I was fortunate to visit the yard and photograph the two z-drives that were built for Brusco only because I went with some representatives from the Brusco company. Jerryj98501