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PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS 



The following approximate performance and design specifications are 

 considered optimum for the purpose for which the ship is designed: 



Length: 140 to 160 feet 



Beam: 28 to 35 feet 



Draft: • 1 2 to 1 5 feet 



Speed: 16 Kn max 12.5 Kn cruise 



Range: 4,000 - 10,000 miles 



Crew: 15 



Scientists: 12 



Food: 60 days 



l( should be noted that these specifications require a maximum speed of 16 knots. 

 There have been dissenting opinions from a few sources that state that 15 or 16 

 knots is more than is necessary. It must be pointed out that in the modern con- 

 cept of oceanography the trend is to approach a more nearly synoptic situation, 

 particularly in the study of relatively small-scale phenomena, and therefore 

 speed is necessary. Furthermore, the waste time between stations and between 

 ports of call can be reduced, and the increased expenditure of fuel does not bal- 

 ance in cost the wasted salaries in travel time. But of even greater importance 

 the ship which can steam at 15 or 16 knots would have the power to beat its way 

 out of the paths of severe storms, and would be able to claw off a lee shore 

 should that emergency arise, whereas an underpowered vessel might be in a 

 dangerous situation under the same circumstances. 



With comparatively broad beam, the proposed draft seems a little too 

 great for conventional design, but design incorporating a deep keel should be at- 

 tempted in the interest of good sea-keeping qualities for the reduction of the 

 tendency to pound and to reduce the rate of wind-drift when lying-to in a seaway. 

 Rolling chocks are a nuisance unless they are neatly faired to prevent fouling of 

 wire and overside gear, but they should be' used in the interest of comfort, and 

 to increase the directional stability as well as reduce the degree and rate of roll. 



OCEANOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT 



Installation of oceanographic equipment will vary in different areas and 

 at different times, depending upon the investigations to be undertaken, and also 

 upon the development of new and better equipment from time to time. There 

 are a few basic instruments which are common to all ocean-going oceanographic 

 ships. These include apparatus for use in physical, geological, chemical and 

 biological oceanography. A brief description of some of the major items of 

 equipment which should be common to all of such ships is presented below as 

 the gear of primary consideration in design of deck and laboratory space. 



Deep-sea Winches - At the present time there is but a single deep-sea whinch 

 in this country, and this winch is still in the design and initial construction 

 phases*. It is to consist of a large winding machine on deck, and a suitable 

 storage reel below decks. Electro-hydraulic power is to be so designed as to 

 be able to handle at least 30,000 feet of step-tapered steel cable. There is dif- 



* - Editor's note: This winch has since been installed and successfully used 

 on the SPENCER F. BAIRD, operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanog- 

 raphy. 



