Sumac (Propeller), Govt., 31 May 1900

LIGHT-HOUSE TENDER SUMAC.
Proposals have been solicited for the construction of the SUMAC, the light-house tender designed for service in the ninth light-house district on the great lakes This district, with headquarters at Chicago, includes practically all of Lake Michigan. The original bill calling for the construction of this vessel appropriated $85,000. There was much delay in preparing the plans, however, and by the time the light-house board caused them to be drawn the price of steel had so advanced that it was impossible to build the vessel within the sum appropriated. The sundry civil act now before the senate makes $50,000 immediately available for the construction of this tender and authorizes an additional $50,000, thus increasing the total sum to $100,000.
The SUMAC will be a twin-screw steamer and was designed by Walfrid Sylvan, the engineer for the light-house board. Her dimensions will be: Length over all, 170 feet; length between perpendiculars, 160 feet; depth of hold, 14 feet, displacement, 700 tons; maximum speed, 15 miles. The vessel will have jet condensing engines of 750 indicated horse power with cylinders 18 and 34 inches and a stroke of 28 inches. Steam will be supplied by two Scotch boilers.
The hull will be divided into eight main compartments with four cargo hatches, two large and two small. Elegant quarters will be furnished for. the officers and men. The quarters consist of saloon, pantry, chart room, four staterooms and two bath rooms. There will also be additional quarters for supply clerk, engineer and a working gang of twelve men. Bathing facilities for the men will be supplied in abundance.
The boat will have an extra large supply room for the accommodation of buoys and wild have a roomy forward deck. A steam capstan will be fitted aft for towing purposes and the vessel wild be equipped with a steed mast from which powerful tackle may be rigged. She will be supplied with a steam windlass, Globe steam steerer (Cleveland make), donkey engine and automatic ash ejector. She will also carry two trimming tanks.
The vessel will be provided with one steam launch and three small boats for work in shallow water. She will be stiff and staunch throughout and is, of course, specially designed for work on the great lakes.
      Marine Review
      May 31, 1900
     
NOTE: - Built 1903