Known Alligator Tug Wrecks
- 45°49’59.40″N, 78°41’17.53”W Burnt Lake
- 45°56’56.64″N, 78°32’51.90”W Catfish Lake
An alligator tug, also known as an alligator boat or alligator dredge, is a specialized type of vessel used in marine construction and dredging operations. The name “alligator” comes from its distinctive appearance, as it resembles the shape and movement of an alligator with its long, low-slung hull and powerful jaws.
Here are some key features and characteristics of an alligator tug:
- Design: The alligator tug has a unique design with a long, flat, and narrow hull. It is typically barge-like in appearance and often has a rectangular or box-shaped structure.
- Low Profile: The tug has a low profile that allows it to operate in shallow waters and navigate under bridges or other obstacles with minimal clearance.
- Paddlewheel: One of the most defining features of an alligator tug is its large paddlewheel, also known as the “jaws.” The paddlewheel is located at the rear of the vessel and is powered by a steam engine or diesel engine.
- Dredging Equipment: Alligator tugs are primarily used for dredging operations. They are equipped with dredging equipment, such as a bucket or clamshell dredge, mounted on a boom or crane. The dredging equipment is used to remove sediment, silt, and debris from the bottom of water bodies to maintain navigable channels or construct water-related infrastructure.
- Maneuverability: The alligator tug’s design, with the paddlewheel at the rear, gives it excellent maneuverability, allowing it to pivot and move in tight spaces. This makes it well-suited for dredging tasks in confined areas.
- Operating Crew: Alligator tugs typically have a small operating crew, including a captain, engineer, and a few deckhands.
- Historical Use: While alligator tugs were once commonly used in marine construction and dredging, their use has declined over the years with the advent of more modern and efficient dredging equipment.
It’s important to note that alligator tugs are distinct from regular towboats or tugboats, which are used for towing and pushing barges in inland waterways and harbors. Alligator tugs are specialized vessels designed specifically for dredging operations in shallow waters and confined spaces.
