Sea Mule pusher tug

martinf · #1 21-01-08, 01:33

I am in the process of restoring a WWII Chrysler Sea Mule, a barge/tug. Twin screws with straight 8 gas engines. She's 40 ft long with a 13 ft beam. I'm having a very difficult time finding any information about this boat. Can anybody here shed any light on this subject?
Thanks,
~martin
here's a pic from an old advertisement

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #2 21-01-08, 01:40

G'day Martin, and welcome to MLU!

I have to confess, this one's a new one on me!

It's amazing the strange stuff that comes up in here nowadays... fear not though, somebody here will no doubt know everything there is to know about said tug. Or make it up.

Do you have an pictures of yours you could post here?

Jif

martinf · #3 21-01-08, 02:59

Yep, I do, though she's not anything to be proud of at the moment!

There's even rumored to be a manual on this boat, which Chrysler made in modules for easy land transport. Mine is 4 sections--two up front and two in the back side by side. They were mostly used to either push ships around in the harbors or push barges, like what you see in this ad picture.

Here's a few pictures of mine.
Thanks for any help that can be offered.
~martin

martinf · #4 21-01-08, 03:01

and another picture

edstorey · #5 21-01-08, 03:14

Was this vessel manufactured in Canada? Where are you located?

martinf · #6 21-01-08, 03:51

It was made in Detroit, and I am out in Washington state, USA
Here's a picture of one of the engines, also Chrysler, a straight 8 Royal. The props are 54"
~martin

Snowtractor · #7 21-01-08, 22:52

Gee could you find something a little bigger maybe?

Very cool project ( my wife is extremely happy it is yours ).
Portrayal Press has many copies of military manuals, you could try them. If it was military you can bet there is a TM out there for it. Email them if its not listed. Come on Alex pony up here :-)
www.portrayal.com

Sean

martinf · #8 22-01-08, 01:11

I did already check with Portrayal, but didn't think to email them...I'll give that a try.

Hmmn, do I need to tell my wife? Perhaps she won't see it down among all the other stuff by the barn.
~martin

Steve Guthrie · #9 23-01-08, 04:32

Hi there

The Chrysler Corporation History has several pages on the Sea Mule. Nothing technical but interesting information and a couple of photos. I could scan and email them if you're interested.

Steve

martinf · #10 23-01-08, 04:42

Steve,
I would really love that! I'll send you a pm with my email address.
thanks much,
~martin