Primer Of Towing (Paperback)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 229 pages
• Publisher: Cornell Maritime Press; 3 edition (November 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870335634
• ISBN-13: 978-0870335631
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,375 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ta-pocketa-pocketa-pocketa, November 13, 2007

By	Biffle French "Author of Paddling the Waters ... (Vashon, Wa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am pretty sure that I will never be a tugboat captain. I say this because I am too old now, and so I am unlikely to get hired on as an apprentice. Plus, I don't take orders well and am really too lazy to work. But I can't help it - I just LOVE tugboats. So here I am hanging around in Powell's one day, trying not to stare noticeably at the ladies, and browsing in the boat section, when I see this book and it says "buy me!" Whenever that happens I have no resistance, which is why my house is completely full of books - something that so disturbs my wife that she spends a lot of time plotting really creative revenge.

Reid's book covers everything you would ever want to know about tugboats. It starts with the business of towing and describes the evolution of that business from the old days when unmaneuverable ships needed to be docked to the present day when giant tankers go aground in nasty seas and need to be salvaged at huge risk by captains and crews who value money and excitement more than their otherwise rather uninteresting lives.

The author writes clearly about different types of boat/barge systems, from the typical chain tow to articulated tug-barges. There is a great section on handling and seamanship, as well as really interesting discussions of powerplants, propulsion systems, cables, chains, deck equipment, winches and all the gear that you need to pull or push giant, massive objects around in uncooperative or frightening conditions.

One other key point that the author makes is that towing is a great choice for a young person interested in a maritime career. Tugboat captains are home almost every day, and there is an opportunity for the entrepreneurial to buy their own boats someday. Towing is not like fishing - the work will be there. Today's interconnected world requires massive amounts of shipping, and shipping requires towing in many different versions.

Now, after reading this great book, whenever I am paddling my kayak around the Sound and I see a tug, I have that feeling that I at least understand SOMETHING about what is being done. If you have any interest at all in tugboats, then by all means read this book. It will open your eyes to a side of boating you have not imagined until now.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent "Primer of Towing", January 1, 2007

By	Latham Smith "Captain Latham Smith" (Palatka Fl) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Not so long after this book was published it became the source of many of the questions (and answers)on the tug Captains liscense..which was a good thing because the test was previously irrelevant to the trade...Captain Reid has done a superb job of introducing beginning tugboaters to the work that they must do.It is well written for the hands on tugboat sailor. The clear diagrams are easily understood. I have handed the book to all my young sailors with orders to "Read it!"

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Primer Of Towing: A Must Have Book For The Tug Enthusiast, September 1, 2002

By	Robert Sandewicz (Monroe Township, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Primer of Towing (Paperback)

George H. Reid provides an excellent insight into tugboat operations, and does so in an eminently readable style. He delves into a variety of diverse topics, from maneuvering characteristics of different types of tugs, to details on towing equipment, to how to best stow tools aboard a working tug. Whether you are a die-hard tugging fan, or just somewhat interested in nautical subjects, Primer of Towing is an education in itself.