Forum: We regret that, effective 1 December 2011, the Forum will no longer be open. The Owners Page will continue and we will gladly publish pics and brief text describing the contents submitted by SmallTug Owners. Email us in advance of submission to tugs(insert "at" symbol)smalltugs.com and we will provide directions.

PLEASE SEND PICS AND TEXT OF WORK-IN PROGRESS OR COMPLETED SMALLTUGS. WE WILL PUBLISH WITH CREDITS TO YOU.

New FAQ
to answer design and construction questions as well as more about the FREE plans program.
Click here.

Wallpaper for your computer screen: Mal Low design 625T Persevere available, click here.

On the Ways:

Germany:

Mal Low's SmallTugTM designs were the basis for a popular piece of playground equipment installed in Summer 2011 in the town of Frasdorf in the South East of Germany between Munich and Salzburg. SmallTugs was consulted by Richter Spielgeräte GmbH (Click here to go to their website) and this is their first variation on Mal Low's SmallTug vision as a playground attraction. A Fireboat version with spraying water and other versions are to follow.

Mal's Puffer (543WY) design is very popular in Europe and has some obvious similarities to traditional working craft of that region. Richter Spielgeräte GmbH has a team of specialized and highly skilled designers that have transformed familiar structures into immensely popular kid-friendly playground equipment installed throughout Germany. While quite safe they are challenging both physically and to the imagination.

Richter Spielgeräte GmbH has installed some remarkably ingenious ship based playground equipment throughout Europe. Click above to visit their website for more pictures.

Click on any photo thumbnail below for an enlarged version. The last two show the steel structure being positioned by crane (notice how handy those portholes can be) and then the all-important "stability test". It is indeed interesting for us in the 'States to see what great attractions can be produced without the freezing grip of OSHA requirements; nevertheless these structures meet strict German standards for safety and some necessary modifications to Mal's original designs for use by children are obvious. Note the freeing ports are actually ventilation in the semi-enclosed spaces (they are below deckline) and the big round ports provide light, air, and observation (in both directions) for children within the hull. The ride-along gantry over the "hold" is especially neat. The whole structure provides fun by imagination and the exercise of little minds and muscles. And no "canned" noise and motorized rides!

Mal is very happy , and proud, to have contributed to this really great children's playground attraction.



		Images courtesy of Richter Spielgeräte GmbH Frasdorf, Germany

USA:

A 323T Pelikan Build:

Rolling over a hull with bilge keels. Here 4 chain falls were used with a purpose-built double beam gantry. Bottom has been completely finished and painted with a hard type bottom paint. A come-along is being rigged to help turn the hull with a side pull, from the far side of the hull towards the gantry frame as the chain falls are lifted on the near side and lowered on the far side. Slings across the bottom will then take the strain as the hull comes upright and is lowered into a pre-built cradle.

The building is a plastic film covered metal frame structure with a leveled plywood lofting/building floor (2 layers of 3/4" ply) resting on landscape timbers on 16" centers riding on concrete blocks. The floor was painted with a light gray deck enamel to show lofting marks. The tug was built directly on top of its lines for reference. A wood stove was used for winter heat and the sunny side of the building covered with black plastic film to absorb heat, the other side left translucent for light.

Framing up the pilothouse, the same method can be used for all construction materials. Outer and inner bonded sheathing (to frame and deck), with bonded rigid foam insulation in frame spaces, provides a high strength structure. Engine already installed. Ports are framed for bolt-in aluminum ports, flush deck hatches are installed, one aluminum diesel tank is seen on deck before installation in engineroom, bulwarks have been capped with pipe. Aluminum ports and hatches by Freeman Marine.

Comments:

Unsolicited comments from current Pelikan owner, Thomas Smith of Friendship, Maine:

"…We brought the tug up on its own bottom towing a 25’ sailboat and a small deck barge (loaded with several steel fixtures) to Friendship in the Fall of 1997. (Yes, it was more than 100 air miles and it was a "tandem tow".)

…I have a lot of experience with the boat in all sorts of sea and weather conditions from hot, calm summer days to snow squalls in late Fall. The tug and I have faced green water over the pilot house and not been able to see the horizon from the trough between two waves. In fact, I have never felt unsafe in the tug and have never had any water enter or flood the pilot house or engine room. In short, the tug can take much more sea than any human aboard! In calm weather it is a fantastic platform from which to watch birds or enjoy a quiet cove. I have also towed boats off the sandbar at the Annisquam River, moved small barges and floats, towed strings of club racing sailboats and moved power yachts with disabled engines. The tug may be small, but it has power and stability!"

Mr. Smith has a Volvo 105 Hp diesel in the tug (named F. Hopkinson Smith), which is of fiberglass construction, and is currently working on a cruising barge to use with the tug.

Revised 21 November 2011