135 



Major features have been pretty well covered in previous papers so I 

 would like to list some of the smaller design features which would greatly facili- 

 tate research work. They are not listed in any order of priority and of course 

 other research workers would have additional ideas. 



(1) She should have a cruising speed of about 12 knots, probably with 

 diesel power. Her lines should be clean with a minimum number of 

 decks, ladders, etc. Her design should facilitate easy communica- 

 tion and low maintenance. Her deck should be full both aft and for- 

 ward and the bulk of her main deck should be devoted to science; 40 

 percent of it to open deck and 40 percent of it to lab space (about 1500 

 sq. ft. each). 



(2) She should have ample deck space to work over the stern and over at 

 least one side. Provision should be made to work off the weather 

 deck if the main deck is too wet. The interior ladders between the 

 bridge, lab and lower lab should be arranged to facilitate communica- 

 tions with the understanding that the ship may often be conned from 

 the lab rather than the bridge. 



(3) The best choice of propulsion does not seem to be immediately ap- 

 parent as several of the types discussed have great merits. A 

 closer look at this problem is required. 



(4) I do not know if a center well is the answer, but I believe it might 

 greatly facilitate the handling of gear in rough weather. I would es- 

 timate that any device or expedient which will enable a ship to oper- 

 ate in one higher sea state is comparable to doubling the displace- 

 ment of the vessel as far as working at sea is concerned. 



(5) The labs and most of the working decks should have flush pads weld- 

 ed to the decks on 24 or 30 inch spacing. These pads should have 

 non-corrosive 3/4 or 1" threaded inserts so eyebolts or equipment 

 can be installed or moved around easily. 



(6) The interior of all labs should be constructed so as to permit the in- 

 sertion of plywood bulkheads at intervals of every 2 or 2^ feet. The 

 steel framing should be spaced at regular intervals and drilled at 

 regular intervals. 



(7) The lab should have doors or hatches which will permit moving com- 

 pletely assembled benches aboard as large as 2 x 6 x 10 feet. 



(8) Have the ship's rails almost entirely free from permanent stays. 

 This is to permit leading lines and cables around the decks. Numer- 

 ous pad eyes, cleats, removable stanchions, etc. , should be avail - 

 able on the inboard side of the rails and on the deck houses. The 

 rails should have numerous fittings for special small davits, winch- 

 es or A-frames. The rails should be 6 to 10 inches wide, flat on 

 top, and should have an easily replaceable oak capping. It should be 

 possible to mount a small davit about every 4 feet along the rail. 



(9) Have main frames extend to the rails for reinforcement at possible 

 A-frame or boom locations. Heavy gear should be secured from mast 

 or tops of rails to leave the deck free for work or stowage. An- 

 chors should be carried in hawse pipes. 



(10) One pair of goal posts masts should carry an easily accessible ob- 

 servation platform. This platform can also provide space for ad- 

 justment and maintenance of radar, flood lights, etc. 



(11) Fuel and water should be in double bottoms and built-in tanks. This 

 will concentrate liquids in the ship's corners and free the central 

 portion for labs and living space. An evaporator should be provided 

 to furnish additional water. 



(12) Provision should be made for carrying a riding sail aft and it may 

 also be advisable to carry a jib on a forward stay to help steady the 



