TABLE 61. - TDM BAIT BOAT FLEET - INDEX OF ACTIVITY 



(Total landings by fleet divided by capacity of 

 all vessels for 1 f-ull trip) 



Soxu'ce: American Tunaboat Association. 



Propulgion Units (Engines) and Pi'opellers 



The proDulsion equipment in tuna vessels has reached a high 

 degree of efficiency and reliability. The hea-\^ duty slow speed 

 Diesels have long been nationally recognized in the mail time industry 

 for their dependability and economy, and as minor defects are dis- 

 covered they have been rectified by the manufacturers. The intro- 

 duction of high speed main propulsion engines would result in 

 reduced weight, saving in space, and greater cargo capacity. The 

 high speed Diesel is becoming increasingly popular for sei'vice on 

 land, in smaller fishing vessels and for auxiliary service in the tuna 

 fleet. The greater uniformity of spare parts through mass production, 

 features of interchangeability and lighter weight which permit easier 

 overhaul and repair are pertinent factors. As operating experience 

 is developed it is quite possible that high speed Diesels will become 

 popular in the tuna fleet. 



One small school of thought. among tuna boat builders is that the 

 tuna vessel of today is too large, expensive, complex and costly to 

 function economically both as a catcher and carrier of tuna. This 

 argument is based on the fact that, although the clippers are 

 unquestionably efficient in catching tuna, the cost of using them to 

 return the catch several thousand miles to California ports is 

 extremely higher than the cost of cargo vessels would ise. If the 



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