The last time BALTIMORE was underway (as in slipping her lines) was in '99. since then I think her boilers have been lit off (as in steaming) but she never left the pier during those times. Like I mentioned to Steve Dackson, BALTIMORE is operational. We just want to have her seen by the ship-yard doctor for a bottom check up before we consider anything further down the line.

Most of these questions are actually better answered by BALTIMORE's chief engineer, Stephen Heaver. He can also give you better info on USCG certification of boilers and such. I consider Steve to be one of the best in the country when it comes to marine boilers.

The one thing that has to be said of steam engines, whether in steamboats or in rail road locomotives is that they have to be kept running. As soon as they stop running, and remain so for a considerable amount of time, they begin to rust. It's the nature of the beast. I think that in to-day's age, there are new measures that can be applied to slow the process but steam engines work best when they work.

Please consider sharing some of the situations you are finding yourself in relative to your own Steam Tug project. I think you can get this discussion room buzzing with such.

Best Regards on your plans,
Walt Mathers