A double loop of tyres provide an effective fender
The head
The PT May has power to spare
Galley
rotating-type hook with hydraulic quick release has also been installed. The Australian authorities have clearly not come up to speed with the safety value of towing off a modern tow winch incorporating the new controlled release system. Even in an emergency it still provides the ability for the crew to regain control without dumping the tow.
The transom incorporates a unique system of a wire The crew's mess
These fenders make excellent energy absorbers and have good holding ability. Aft of this, a section of aircraft tyres 1m in diameter and 500mm wide is secured to the hull without chains by way of steel rims. Aft of this again are two rows of variegated single-cut tyre fenders suitable for the hard knocks that inevitably happen. The towing winch is powered by a 37kW electric motor via an ABB variable-speed drive, designed by MID and built by ShipCo, a working partnership that is building an international reputation for design and construction of tough tow winches. The drum diameter is 610mm and the winch capacity is 550m of 32mm-diameter wire in six layers. A level winding system ensures the drum packs tight with no riding turns that may weaken the wire. An emergency controlled quick release control is
provided at speeds of 48m to 88m per minute, although to meet Australian rules, a 35 tonne safe working load
34 NZ WORKBOAT REVIEW 2012
control, towing pins and a stern roller. The pins are electric/hydraulic in operation with three separate pins plus a hold-down lug. Each hardened pin slides up and down in bronze bushes and rotates on four roller bearings. In the centre of the transom is the 400mm diameter
stern roller, which is balanced, running in spherical bearings with a safe working load of 35 tonnes. The wire hold-down lug may be folded up or down hydraulically. Once locked in the grab position, the lug and pins maintain total control of the wire at the transom, eliminating the yawing effect in a seaway. Meanwhile, for'ard on the fo'c'sle is a hydraulically
driven vertical-type 500mm diameter waist capstan giving a five tonne pull at 20m per minute using a foot- operated switch. Slightly to starboard is the main anchor and cable winch, which incorporates both chain and wire on a hydraulically powered drum. On the bow, a large double-staghorn bollard
incorporates the hauling fairlead or staple. When a line is hooked onto the bollard or led back to the capstan for hauling and power is applied astern, this little beast of a tug just lifts her bum and delivers more power astern than many of her similar cousins can muster ahead. It is interesting to note the eco-friendly stuff associated with refueling and pump-outs. A central fill and discharge
