Tugboat Portland August 7, 2019

(This post is part of a (mostly) non-ship series about a trip to the West I took during July and August of 2019)

This 219x42ft (67×12.8m) sternwheeler tugboat was built in 1947 by Northwest Marine Iron Works of Portland Oregon and was operated by Willamette Tug & Barge then Shaver Transportation until her 1981 retirement according to this wikipedia article.

She now serves as the Oregon Maritime Museum with occasional excursions during the year. She resides on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon next to the Battleship Oregon Memorial.

The entirety of the lowest deck sitting above water level is the engine room. It is onto the roof of this level that visitors board and enter the deck that contains the museum’s exhibits and gift shop.

Our friendly and knowledgeable guide took us to the next deck up which included the Captain’s quarters.

Above that is the pilot house with visibility in all directions.

Before heading down to the engine room our guide pointed out that the tug not only has the three rudders aft the sternwheel but also 4 ahead of it.

The first thing seen upon entering the massive engine room is a collection of steam whistles.

In the rear are the large pistons that drive the sternwheel.

There is also a lot of other pipes and machinery in this area.

Towards the front is the boiler.

There’s also a lot of other pipes and machinery here, as well!

It is interesting how many windows there are in a room that in most ships is below the water line!

I definitely recommend visiting this beautiful vessel if you find yourself in Portland, Oregon. You’ll find the staff full of knowledge and passion for her and the longer you’re aboard the more it catches on. Their 2020 cruise schedule is as follows: June 20-2020, July 18-2020, August 22-2020 and September 19-2020

Be sure to check out these videos of her 2014 and 2015 cruises that show the price is definitely worthwhile. Also click here to see more photos I took of this large tugboat!