Fitz steel

[Keith M Steffke]

Hi,

Here is a more generalized answer, to your specific question. As with any ship, the size and thickness of the steel (and iron, in the transitional decade of the 1880s) plates and other structural members varied greatly, depending on where it was on the boat. Bow and stern plates were of a larger thickness (the usual was 1/2" and 7/8" for plating) sometimes over an inch, if the intention was for the vessel to be used for ice-breaking or be in an environment where ice-breaking may be needed with little notice.

Frames ("ribs" to the laymen), would also be placed closer together (and of a greater thickness of steel) in the same areas for more strength and help in limiting damage for said action. In order to get an exact answer, for specific areas of the vessel, you must consult each specific plan of her (all exist, to my knowledge, at BGSU). Another helpful resource would be reviewing a copy of the "American Bureau of Shipping Standards for Building & Classing Steel Ships" for the year in question. Exceptions or specific reuqirments, for Great Lakes vessels, are noted in each area.

As a side note of interest: plates that were to go into very specific, or vital parts of the ship, the ABS required a "reference plate" tested from each batch of steel, and saved for future comparison - usually three holes were punched out to test for fracturability, malleability and overall integrity of the batch, etc, to see if the batch was acceptable for construction. For instance, the "Shafting Boss" (i.e. the "blistered out Hub", that the propeller shaft extends out of), was actually made up of three to five separate plates (depending on exact location) of 3/16" plate steel, that were then welded together in a staggered & laminated fashion, as this area was vary susceptible to stress, general damage, leaking, etc. The shipyard would save the reference plate(s) in case anything happened, to retest the plate and compare to the damage to the actual ship, after extended use. As required by the "Underwriters" (i.e.Insurers) the plate was engraved with the Shipyard name, Hull No., the place where it was to be used, and what side was "up", etc. And some of these steel "Reference Plates" still exsit, as an fyi.

Hope this helps give you some sort of direction, if your answer has a specific need.

Best regards,

Keith M Steffke
Oldshipbuilder AT Yahoo DOT com

[eddyfitz]

You may find that info here:

http://www.glmi.org/fitz/default.htm

[fitz301]

Does anyone know wht thickness the steel was used in the construction of the Fitzgerald's hull?

Are the bulwarks the same thickness?

TIA
Fitz301