HMCo #291p [Admiral's Motor Barge for U.S. Navy]

"#291. Admiral's Twin Screw Motor Barge. Length 50ft, beam 10ft, weight at time of launching 13870lbs. Engines two - 45-65hp, Model B Sterling." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Handwritten note in Experiments Booklet '1911 Trial Trips and Experiments' under date of September 6, 1912. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum.)

"... No. 291 [#291p] - 1912. 50ft Motor Launch (2 Sterlings) Admirals Barge USN. 8141.40 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 18% [Profit Margin] = [$]12[8]08.57. [Time & Mat.:] 8141.40. [Contract Price:] 12000.00 ..." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Penciled untitled calculations, apparently made to determine appropriate profit margins for future cost estimates, after the death of his brother J.B. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Undated, between 1915 (when #313p, the latest boat on this list, was built) and 1919 (when #367p CORSAIR, the first launch not on this list, was built and a price for her had to be determined).)

"BRISTOL, R I, July 6 [1912] --- The Herreshoffs have been commissioned to build a power launch 60 feet in length for the United States Government for use as an Admiral's barge. The boat will be ready to be turned over to the Navy Department in the early part of August." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, July 7, 1912, p. 39.)

"BRISTOL, R I, July 13 [1912] --- The new composite power yacht [Dianthus #289p] for John B. Herreshoff and the barge [#291p] for Admiral Cameron McRae Winslow of the United States Navy, under construction at the Herreshoff shops, are ready for planking." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, July 14, 1912, p. 49.)

"Admiral's Barge 50' x 10' U.S. Navy Battleship Florida for Admiral Winslow. Built 1912." [Note that the Battleship Florida was never commanded by Admiral Winslow, suggesting that this Admiral's Barge was not carried on the Battleship Florida. In late 1913 Admiral Winslow made the U.S.S. Arkansas (BB-33) his flagship. (CvdL).] (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. [Note in period ink on envelope containing photos of #291p Admiral's Barge.] Bristol, R.I., no date.)

"BRISTOL, R I, Sept 3 [1912] --- A new power launch, the best-equipped and the most seaworthy of her dimension ever built at Herreshoffs, was set afloat today at noon and was later given a trial alongside the pier to work out her engines for the builder's test.
The boat, which is 60 feet in length and unnamed is for Rear Admiral Cameron McRae Winslow of the United States Navy, should he assume command of the Atlantic battleship fleet.
The boat is expected to do 18 miles an hour and was launched in her gray war paint. She will be used in going to the shore in ports and visiting the ships on tours of inspection.
The hull is double-planked, she has a comfortable cabin and is driven by twin screws, the» pair of engines being each of 60 horsepower." (Source: Anon. "For Admiral's Use. New 60-Foot Power Launch Capable of 18 Mile Speed Takes Water at Bristol, R I." Boston Globe, September 4, 1912, p. 6.)

"BRISTOL, R I. May 17 [1913] --- ... Commander C. F. Hughes, chief of staff of Admiral Winslow, is having the gasoline engine of his barge overhauled at the Herreshoffs." (Source: Anon. "Bristol Notes." Boston Globe, May 18, 1913, p. 56.)

"The oldest boat in active service is a 50-foot wooden barge --- hull registry number C-182. The barge was built for the Navy in 1912 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol, R.I., to the plans shown in figure 1 at a total cost of $12,000. Originally, two V-6 gasoline engines powered the barge at a speed in excess of 15 knots. These engines have been replaced by two 105 horsepower diesels. Bureau records show further that this craft has served as an admiral's barge aboard the battleships Louisiana, Utah, Florida, Arkansas, and New York. It served for a short time as a barge for both the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations. The barge is presently assigned to Rear Admiral Harold Davis Baker, Commandant of the Potomac River Naval Command.
As will be noted from figure 2, there have been some minor topside alterations performed. The galley is located in the forepart with living quarters and a sun deck aft. The engine room is located amidships and is reached by a short stairway from the wheel station.
Although there are no complete records available which reflect the actual maintenance costs for this craft over the many years it has been in use, cognizant personnel at the Naval Gun Factory cannot recall ever having to remove any portion of the hull structure over the past 15 years because of deterioration or mechanical damage.
A very careful examination of the hull failed to disclose a single instance of decay. The hull lines remain 'eye sweet,' the seams are fair and in continuous contact. The appearance and tightness of the swept teak deck cannot be told from new. There is no doubt that this craft will be in service for many years to come, since its soundness and excellent appearance rival that of any new hull. Over all, the barge is an excellent example of the advisability of requiring the best materials and workmanship for constructing a wood hull and of affording a small measure of care during active and inactive service. Several motorboats and motor launches built by various naval shipyards also exceed 20 years in age. Unfortunately, storage conditions ashore have often resulted in a very short service life which prevents calculating accurately the average age which boats of any one type can be expected to last. Figure 3 represents the method by which it is estimated that the average life of 40-foot motorboats is approximately 25 years. Inasmuch as boats are now provided with a rain-tight, ventilated shelter when stored ashore, it can be safely assumed that the average age calculated is conservative. ...
Figure 1. Original plan, from which admiral's barge was built, bears date of 15 June 1912.
Figure 2. Navy's oldest boat in active service today, a 50-foot wooden barge, is shown at anchor near the Naval Gun Factory." (Source: Hartley, Richard. Landing Ships and Boats Branch, U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships. "Serviceability of Wooden Boats." In: Bureau of Ships Journal, December 1957, p. 10-12.)

"[Item Description:] Penciled general arrangement plan with plan view, sections and inboard profile of an unidentified power vessel. Untitled, no notes, undated. This boat bears a certain similarity to #291p Admirals Barge and may or may not be related to it." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Penciled General Arrangement Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0485. WRDT08, Folder 39. No date (1912 ???).)
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"[Item Description:] Penciled pantograph hull sections titled 'No. 291 [#291p] 50ft Admirals Motor Barge for U.S.N. Waterline length 48.42ft. July 1912. Scale 3/4in = 1ft'. With calculations showing a total displacement of 272.5cuft = 8.72 tons and position of centre of buoyancy." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. or Herreshoff, A. Sidney deW. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE04_00970. Folder [no #]. 1912-07.)
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"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled calculations, apparently made by NGH to determine appropriate profit margins for future cost estimates, after the death of JBH:]
No. 313 [#313p] - 1915. 26ft Steam Lauch for CAROLA. 2255.93 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 50% [Profit Margin] = [$]4511.86. [Time & Mat.:] 2255.93. [Contract Price:] 4500.00
No. 294 [#294p] - 1914. 30ft Steam Lauch, Oil burning for V. Astor. 2423.49 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 50% [Profit Margin] = [$]4845.48. [Time & Mat.:] 2423.49. [Contract Price:] 4875.00
No. 274 [#274p] - 1910. 27ft Steam Lauch for Bath Iron Works. 2485.64 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 30% [Profit Margin] = [$]4308.45. [Time & Mat.:] 2485.64. [Contract Price:] 4300.00
No. 270 [#270p] - 1909. 27 1/2ft Steam Lauch for H.A.C. Taylor. 2293.59 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 40% [Profit Margin] = [$]4271.37. [Time & Mat.:] 2293.59. [Contract Price:] 4250.00
No. 298 [#298p] - 1914. 32ft Motor Launch for WAYFARER. Premier Motor. 3045.99 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 30% [Profit Margin] = [$]5257.72. [Time & Mat.:] 3045.99. [Contract Price:] 5250.00
No. 297 [#297p] - 1914. 30ft Motor Launch for WAYFARER. Stirling Motor. 2327.49 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 37% [Profit Margin] = [$]4251.54. [Time & Mat.:] 2327.49. [Contract Price:] 4250.00
No. 282 [#282p] - 1911. 35ft Motor Launch. 45/65 Sterling. CORSAIR. 3514.72 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 44% [Profit Margin] = [$]6748.26. [Time & Mat.:] 3514.72. [Contract Price:] 6750.00
No. 277 [#277p] - 1911. 30ft Motor Launch ISABEL (for LCL [L.C. Ledyard] by J.B. Webb). 2573.00 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 75% [Profit Margin] = [$]5903.67. [Time & Mat.:] 2573.00. [Contract Price:] 6000.00
No. 273 [#273p] - 1910. 30ft Motor Launch for M.F. Plant (Premier). 2576.78 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 60% [Profit Margin] = [$]5497.14. [Time & Mat.:] 2576.78. [Contract Price:] 5500.00
No. 278 [#278p] - 1910. 35ft Motor (Ideal) stock boat sold to WESTWARD. 2114.46 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 40% [Profit Margin] = [$]3947.00. [Time & Mat.:] 2114.46. [Contract Price:] 4000.00
No. 265 [#265p] - 1908. 34ft Motor (Premier) [for] NORTH STAR. 2259.20 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 18% [sic, i.e. 6% Profit Margin] = [$]3199.04. [Time & Mat.:] 2259.20. [Contract Price:] 3200.00
No. 283 [#283p] - 1911. 30ft Motor (Premier) [for] ALOHA A.C. James. 2974.84 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 45% [Profit Margin] = [$]5751.35. [Time & Mat.:] 2974.84. [Contract Price:] 5750.00
No. 292 [#292p] - 1912. 40ft Motor (8 cyl Sterling) [for] F.L. Dunne. 4630.47 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 55% [sic, i.e. 30% Profit Margin] = [$]8019.64. [Time & Mat.:] 4630.47. [Contract Price:] 8000.00
No. 296 [#296p] - 1914. 30ft Motor Launch (Stillson) Stock HMCo inventoried at 3,500. 2185.60 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 20% [Profit Margin] = [$]3496.95. [Time & Mat.:] 2185.60
No. 291 [#291p] - 1912. 50ft Motor Launch (2 Sterlings) Admirals Barge USN. 8141.40 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 18% [Profit Margin] = [$]12[8]08.57. [Time & Mat.:] 8141.40. [Contract Price:] 12000.00
No. 295 [#295p] - 1914. 19 1/2ft Motor Launch (Model E Sterling) W.K. Vanderbilt. 1240.68 [Time & Materials] + 33 1/3 [% Shop Overhead] x 22% [Profit Margin] = [$]2018.17. [Time & Mat.:] 1240.68. [Contract Price:] 2000.00
[Time & Materials:] 44757.68 [sic, i.e. 44857.68]. [Contract Price:] 80625.00
[p. 2]
[Unreadable]
Time & Material for 15 boats cost 44,757.68
adding 33 1/3% average for shop 14,919.23
makes shop cost 59,676.91
To equal contract price have to add about 35% = 20886.91733
Total 80,563.82. [Undated, between 1915 (when #313p, the latest boat on this list, was built) and 1919 (when #367p CORSAIR, the first launch not on this list, was built and a price for her had to be determined).]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Cost Estimate. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDED1_00160. Folder [no #]. No date (between 1915 and 1919 ?).)
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"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (in ink) trials booklet titled '1911. Trial Trips and Experiments'. Relevant contents:
§14: #291p [ADMIRAL'S MOTOR BARGE FOR U.S. NAVY] Trial Run best mean speed 18.3mph (1912-09-06 & 1912-09-07)
§15: #291p [ADMIRAL'S MOTOR BARGE FOR U.S. NAVY] Official Trial Run average speed 15.85kn (1912-09-11)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator) and Herreshoff, A. Sidney deW. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_04280. Folder [no #]. 1911-06 to 1926-05.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #291p [Admirals Motor Barge for U.S. Navy] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Admirals Motor Barge (HMCo-made index card)
• Admirals Motor Barge (MIT Museum-made index card)
• Note: The vessel index cards comprise two sets of a total of some 3200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and information regarding drawings, later or former vessel names, and owners. They were compiled from HMCo's early days until 1920 and added to in later decades, apparently by Hart Nautical curator William A. Baker and his successors. While HMCo seems to have used only one set of index cards, all sorted by name and, where no name was available, by number, later users at MIT apparently divided them into two sets of cards, one sorted by vessel name, the other by vessel number and greatly expanded the number of cards. Original HMCo cards are usually lined and almost always punched with a hole at bottom center while later cards usually have no hole, are unlined, and often carry substantially less information. All cards are held by the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass.

Year: 1912
E/P/S: P
No.: 291
OA: 50' 0"

Source: Vermilya, Peter and Maynard Bray. "Transcription of the HMCo. Construction Record." Unpublished database, ca. 2000.

Note: The transcription of the HMCo Construction Record by Peter Vermilya and Maynard Bray was performed independently (and earlier) than that by Claas van der Linde. A comparison of the two transcriptions can be particularly useful in those many cases where the handwriting in the Construction Record is difficult to decipher.

"A photo in the Rudder of November 1912, p. 240, shows a photo with the caption 'The Admiral's Barge Attached to the U.S.S. Louisiana. The Engines are a Pair of 45-65-H.P. Sterlings.' No other information is provided, but the barge on the photo bears a strong similarity with #291p, differing only in a few details. It is unclear if they are one and the same." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. September 22, 2009.)

Note: Research notes contain information about a vessel that is often random and unedited but has been deemed useful for future research.