The first known and recorded tug in the North-East was a former ferry bought by
a Mr J Price and named Perseverance.
In 1817 the first tow took place:
The Friends Adventure, owned by Mr robson, the vessel out bound from Newcastle.
These early tugs had a single cylinder side lever engine connected to a common
shaft to drive the paddles.
This system was of little use when steering a tow. Rails were fitted
thwartships upon which a weighted trolley was run Port to Starboard
using block and tackle to list the tug. This forced the paddle deeper into the
water on one side, giving more thrust to that side so helping to steer the tow.
In the early days a jet condenser was used. When used with river or sea water
this gradually contaminated the boiler, so the boiler water was tested by
running off a bucket of water and dropping a potato into it. If the potato
sank the water was good, but if it floated the the boiler water needed to be
replaced Then it was a case of, blowdown boiler and refill with clean fresh water.
Around the mid 1800's two engined tugs came into use with a shaft central clutch
for independent paddle use. Handy for turning the tug in its own length.
Ron Kell
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