Customer Reviews

Primer of Towing

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

I am an Engineer in the tugboat industry and bought this book just because I am intrested in reading anything I can get my hands on about my line of work. I found this book very informative and answered alot of question I had about tugging. Although I am not in the wheelhouse i still loved this book. I think it should be a requirement for all the new guys to read this book because it explains alot of the terms used in the tugboat industry, so when you ask the guy to grab the "fishplate" he doesn't go in the galley and bring you yesterdays dinner. An excellent read!!

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!"

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.

Originally published in 1975, Primer Of Towing by professional mariner George H. Reid has been thoroughly revised and deftly updated in a new second edition packed from cover to cover with the latest information on towing marine craft for modern times. A straightforward manual to the skill of towing ships and tugboat seamanship, Primer Of Towing capably addresses barge configuration and handling, salvage and emergency situations, structural considerations, and much, much more. Highly recommended for anyone involved in this respected and necessary duty of nautical tradition, Primer Of Towing is as informed and informative as it is accessible and "user friendly".

This book is filled with great information for anyone interested in how to handle barge towing. Illustrations provide a good sense of what the author is explaining to the reader.
If real tug action or even radio control towing is your interest, this book will not disappoint you.