What are the Differences Between Inland and Ocean Push Boats?

A push boat, sometimes called a “pusher” or “pusher boat,” is a type of boat engineered for pushing large vessels like barges as well as oil rigs. As opposed to a tug boat, a push boat only pushes, while a tug boat pulls a larger vessel to get it from point A to point B. While push boats are typically used in inland areas, they are also sometimes used in ocean areas. Below is some information about what differentiates inland push boats from ocean push boats.

Inland Push Boats

These are by far the most common kind of push boats. They are employed in river areas, canals, and other inland waterways. Inland push boats typically have a shallow draft, square bow, large plates mounted to their bow to aid in pushing, and knees. They also have flat sterns that help boost their pushing capabilities. Their horsepower output ranges from between around 600 hp to 10,000 hp, with most inland push boats clocking in with horsepower around 1,200 hp. In terms of size, most push boats are between 30 to 250 feet in length and 20 to 60 feet wide. Some larger inland tug boats designed for long hauls offer living quarters and work space for crew members.

Ocean Push Boats

It’s more rare for a push boat to be “ocean-going,” meaning that it is used to haul barges long distances across turbulent ocean waters. This type of task is best handled by an ocean-going tug boat. If you hear a boat referred to as an ocean push boat, it is most likely either meant for use in ocean harbors or for use in coastal or intracoastal waterways. Ocean push boats can perform varied jobs in port, harbor, and coastal areas. Push boats used in harbor areas may be a bit smaller than push boats used in other areas to allow for easier maneuvering. If a push boat is used in the ocean, its exterior is usually treated in a manner that helps prevent corrosion from salt water.

Ocean Push Boats vs. Tug Boats

Some push boats are used in offshore construction to move barges and other vessels limited distances or to aid in maneuvering them to meet project needs. As mentioned, tug boats are a better fit for jobs that require moves of extensive distance on the open sea. Ocean-going tug boats are larger in size than push boats and offer more horsepower generally. They are specifically engineered for extensive use in the ocean and to handle turbulence on the water. They often make use of large propellers to increase their towing capabilities. Additionally, they have longitudinal bulkheads, welded-steel hulls, and high lift rudders to enhance their long-distance towing capabilities.

SIMILARITIES

In many ways, there are more similarities than differences between inland push boats and ocean push boats. They both perform similar jobs, and oftentimes a push boat that has been used in inland areas can later be used in ocean areas and vice versa. Many newer push boats, whether inland or ocean, may be truckable too, which means that they can be transported on the road as well as on the water to get them to your project more efficiently. Before you invest in any particular kind of push boat, make sure you know enough about its specs to give you peace of mind that it will be able to handle your towing jobs. If you are buying a used push boat, make sure you also are aware of its history, including any major repairs as well as where and how it’s been used.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts both inland push boats and ocean push boats, in addition to used sectional barges, used deck barges, and much more. Furthermore, our material inventory ranges from brand new steel plates to used precast barrier wall and everything in between.

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