SSMBC "Springer" Tugs
This page was updated on October 10, 2019
Forward A "Springer" tug is a one design class model boat. (A one design class is where specifications are tight so that the boats are fairly equal as to performance, so it
challenges one skipper against the other where skill and perhaps luck determines the winner in any kind of competition).
There are specifications as to the size of the hull as well as other items such as the motor, propeller, rudder, battery, etc., which makes boats more competitive. Springers can be used in competition such as water soccer, polo, or other activities, or used on their own to the builders enjoyment.
According to the rules (see below) Springer Tugs must meet specifications as stated above. However, on and above the deck is up to the builder. Most replicate some sort of a scale Push Boat - and there are many photos out on the internet. A number of other builders decided to be innovative and build far out models, mostly humorous or exaggerated to some extent. Checkout the "Out House" Springer in the photo at the right, third from the bottom.
Rest assured that the Springers are not replacing the scale model boats. Just to add a little excitement from time to time!
There are specifications as to the size of the hull as well as other items such as the motor, propeller, rudder, battery, etc., which makes boats more competitive. Springers can be used in competition such as water soccer, polo, or other activities, or used on their own to the builders enjoyment.
According to the rules (see below) Springer Tugs must meet specifications as stated above. However, on and above the deck is up to the builder. Most replicate some sort of a scale Push Boat - and there are many photos out on the internet. A number of other builders decided to be innovative and build far out models, mostly humorous or exaggerated to some extent. Checkout the "Out House" Springer in the photo at the right, third from the bottom.
Rest assured that the Springers are not replacing the scale model boats. Just to add a little excitement from time to time!
History of the Springers
The original Springer was designed in 1998 by Dave & John Springer. John, a NWRCSM club member, designed the boat
after a workboat (real truckable towboat,
photo below) he originally saw in Alaska. The hull lines were simple and he took a very straightforward approach to building his first boat.
It soon became popular and many members started to plan for their own “Springer”.
To develop a “club boat” some basic rules were set so the various models would perform similarly on the water. No limitations or guidelines were placed on the appearance of the boat above the waterline. This model soon become very popular and many club members have at least one “Springer”. The concept also traveled south to the San Francisco Club as they expanded on the performance related restrictions and insist that the boat look like a real boat. No hot tubs or outhouses are allowed in their rules. This club also developed a polo version of the Springer and started to have rough and tumble Polo matches.
To develop a “club boat” some basic rules were set so the various models would perform similarly on the water. No limitations or guidelines were placed on the appearance of the boat above the waterline. This model soon become very popular and many club members have at least one “Springer”. The concept also traveled south to the San Francisco Club as they expanded on the performance related restrictions and insist that the boat look like a real boat. No hot tubs or outhouses are allowed in their rules. This club also developed a polo version of the Springer and started to have rough and tumble Polo matches.
A "Real" Springer?
Perhaps the shape of the "Springer Class RC Tug" hull is not quite fictitious after all. This recently found photograph shows what looks to be very close to
the proportions of a Springer Tug but at full size. If made into a model the scale would be about 1/12 - 1/14 scale to maintain the proportions.
The only difference between this real boat and the model Springers seem
to be the propulsion. The Standard Springer Tug (specifications) calls for one motor/prop/rudder but this real boat has two motors, props, and rudders. Not immediately evident when looking at the bottom rear of the hull and the twin exhaust stacks can be seen.
The only difference between this real boat and the model Springers seem
to be the propulsion. The Standard Springer Tug (specifications) calls for one motor/prop/rudder but this real boat has two motors, props, and rudders. Not immediately evident when looking at the bottom rear of the hull and the twin exhaust stacks can be seen.
Reference
Online Links
How to build a Springer
Springer Instructions/plans - 1
Springer Instructions/plans - 2
Building Log (one persons build of a Springer kit by Zippkits)
Springer Instructions/plans - 1
Springer Instructions/plans - 2
Building Log (one persons build of a Springer kit by Zippkits)
Basic guidelines for the Springers
As mentioned above there are specific specifications as to the hull size and shape, as well
as other items affecting the performance. As for the hull there are dimensions that control the shape from the gunwale (top of the hull
where it meets the deck) down to the very bottom, front the rear, side to side. Anything that is on the deck can be virtually anything the
builder wants. This could be what a truckable towboat would look like to something comical. There is no scale and it is the
builders discretion that determines what scale any specific Springer is.
Rules, regulations and specifications for the Springers
The Basic Springer (from the original designer) specifications are very simple. The basic boat is to be 18 inches long
and 8 inches wide with a flat bottom.
The other specifications are:
A 6-volt battery shall power the motor
The propeller shall be 3 bladed and no larger than 40mm in diameter.
The rudder shall be a maximum area of 4 square inches
The complete requirements are available on the club WEB site (www.shipmodelers.com)
The cabin and other features on deck will be left to the discretion of the builder.
Hull – Hull profile to conform to original Springer profile. Beam is 8 inches” +- .062, Length 18 inches +- .125”
Rudder – 4 square inches maximum. Single piece construction (salmon tail allowed).
Drive – Single shaft, direct or reduced drive open propeller. (No Kort nozzles or Z drives)
Propeller – 3 blades, maximum diameter of 40 mm
Motor Type – Builders option
Motor Battery – 6 volts maximum
Gearing – Builders Option
Water polo/soccer version Springers - the
following specifications were added:
Proposed
SSMBC rules for Springer Tugs:
The battery specification will be 7.2 volt standard hobby batteries are allowable (substitution of the 6 volt batteries. (This is because of the availability of the 7.2 volt batteries and most modelers use them in other boats.)
The propeller specification is expanded to 44mm maximum as this is what Zippkits (one of the Springer kit manufacturers) includes.
A soft bumper (foam or rubber/vinyl) around the perimeter of the hull will be permissible. This cannot exceed 3/16 inch out from the hulls sidewalls (plus aft and forward bulkheads. The height would be from flush with the main deck down the a maximum of 1/2 inch from the deck. (See drawing at the right.) This is to add some protection against other boats or objects.
The other specifications are:
A 6-volt battery shall power the motorThe propeller shall be 3 bladed and no larger than 40mm in diameter.
The rudder shall be a maximum area of 4 square inches
The complete requirements are available on the club WEB site (www.shipmodelers.com)
The cabin and other features on deck will be left to the discretion of the builder.
Hull – Hull profile to conform to original Springer profile. Beam is 8 inches” +- .062, Length 18 inches +- .125”
Rudder – 4 square inches maximum. Single piece construction (salmon tail allowed).
Drive – Single shaft, direct or reduced drive open propeller. (No Kort nozzles or Z drives)
Propeller – 3 blades, maximum diameter of 40 mm
Motor Type – Builders option
Motor Battery – 6 volts maximum
Gearing – Builders Option
Water polo/soccer version Springers - the
following specifications were added:Rudder Shoe - All boats must be equipped with a rudder shoe that extends from the skeg or hull bottom to the rudder shaft.
The shoe must be 1/16 inch or less from the rudder in order to prevent the rudder or propeller from snagging a ¼ inch rope
used for course boundaries.
Flag Holder – 1 inch 3/32 inch brass tube centered on stern approx. ¼ inch from edge.
Push Knees – ¾ inch wide, minimum 2 ½ inches in height measured from deck, mounted on 7-inch centers.
Door stops – Removable spring type mounted on each knee at or below deck level
Weight – 8 ½ lbs. minimum.
The shoe must be 1/16 inch or less from the rudder in order to prevent the rudder or propeller from snagging a ¼ inch rope
used for course boundaries.
Flag Holder – 1 inch 3/32 inch brass tube centered on stern approx. ¼ inch from edge.
Push Knees – ¾ inch wide, minimum 2 ½ inches in height measured from deck, mounted on 7-inch centers.
Door stops – Removable spring type mounted on each knee at or below deck level
Weight – 8 ½ lbs. minimum.
However, in the
SSMBC there will be some deviations!
Proposed
SSMBC rules for Springer Tugs:The battery specification will be 7.2 volt standard hobby batteries are allowable (substitution of the 6 volt batteries. (This is because of the availability of the 7.2 volt batteries and most modelers use them in other boats.)
The propeller specification is expanded to 44mm maximum as this is what Zippkits (one of the Springer kit manufacturers) includes.
A soft bumper (foam or rubber/vinyl) around the perimeter of the hull will be permissible. This cannot exceed 3/16 inch out from the hulls sidewalls (plus aft and forward bulkheads. The height would be from flush with the main deck down the a maximum of 1/2 inch from the deck. (See drawing at the right.) This is to add some protection against other boats or objects.
Projects for Kids (big and little)
Springers tug models can make a great project for kids of all ages. Although we have many adults in scale model
boating, the Simple easy to build "Springer Tug" kits are popular with kids as well. The photo (link below) at the
right shows children building these kits. This photo is from a German website. Apparently the Springer Tug models
are quite popular in Europe, and probably world-wide.
[Link]
[Link]
In the water Events (Contests)
Springers are seen world wide. Some clubs even have organized club sport meets such as water polo/soccer. Here
the competition victory is in the hands of the operator - with a given that all boats perform about equal. (Photo courtesy of Mathews Model Marine- Word Press.)
For a video of the fun, go to Springer Video.
For a video of the fun, go to Springer Video.
Possible activilites:
Water Polo
Race around a marked course
Push an unattached item (ball) around a marked course
Tow a tug around a marked course (timed against others)
Race around a marked course
Push an unattached item (ball) around a marked course
Tow a tug around a marked course (timed against others)
Example of making a Springer look like a real truckable towboat
