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Pictured as: the Taurus (Fournier Towing) Photo by: Capt. Patrick Fournier
LESLI M.
Built in 1952, by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company of San Diego, California (hull #LT 2078) as the LT-2078 for the United States Army.
In 1964, the tug was transferred to the United States Navy. Where she was designated as the YTM-748 (Yuma). And was allocated to the 12th Naval District at San Francisco, California.
In 1980, the tug was returned to the United States Army. Where she was redesignated as the LT-2078.
In 1980, she was acquired by Hvide Marine Incorporated of Tampa, Florida. Where the tug was renamed as the Delaware.
In 1989, the tug was rebuilt, and reconfigured. with the addition of a retractable Aquamaster z-drive unit on the bow. That is powered by a single, GM 12v92ta diesel engine. And, the tug was renamed as the Mobile Point.
In 1995, she was acquired by the Sanders Towboat Company of San Francisco, California. Where the tug was renamed as the Delaware.
In 2008, the tug was acquired SeaBulk Towing Services Incorporated of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Where she was renamed as the Mobile Point.
In 2009, she was acquired by True North Marine Incorporated of Pass Christian, Mississippi. Where the tug was renamed as the Lesli M.
In 2012, the tug was acquired by Captain Arthur Fournier of the Fournier Towing and Ship Service of Belfast, Maine. Where she was renamed as the Taurus.
In 2017, she was acquired by Heritage Marine Incorporated of Knife River, Minnesota. Where the tug was renamed as the Nels J.
Powered by a single, EMD 20-645 turbo diesel engine. With a single, Falk reduction gear, at ratio of 4.5:1. Turning a single, 11(in) diameter, 132(in) by 78(in) five bladed, fixed pitch, stainless steel propeller. With a retractable, Aquamaster z-drive unit on the bow. Powered by a single, GM 12v92ta diesel engine. For a rated 4,400 horsepower.
Her electrical service is provided by two, 65kW generator sets. Driven by two, GM 4-71 diesel engines. The tug's capacities are 60,000 gallons of fuel, 1,200 gallons of lube oil, 4,000 gallons of ballast, and 3,000 gallons of potable water.
The towing gear consists of a double, hydraulic, winch and capstan, mounted on her stern.
(NavSource Online, Captain Ron Greger, Samuel C. Moore, Captain Patrick Fournier, Issac Pennock)
- Vessel Name: LESLI M.
- USCG Doc. No.: 965565
- Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
- Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
- Call Sign: WDE9975
- Hull Material: STEEL
- Hull Number: LT2078
- Ship Builder: NATIONAL STEEL & SHIPBLDG
- Year Built: 1952
- Length: 101
- Hailing Port: KNIFE RIVER, MN.
- Hull Depth: 12.6
- Hull Breadth: 26.7
- Gross Tonnage: 197
- Net Tonnage: 134
-
Owner:
MICHAEL OJARD
243 SCENIC 61 PO BOX 21
KNIFE RIVER, MN 55609 -
Previous Vessel Names:
LT-2078, YTM-748 (Yuma), LT-2078, DELAWARE, MOBILE POINT, DELAWARE, MOBILE POINT, LESLI M., LESLI M, TAURUS -
Previous Vessel Owners:
United States Army, United States Navy, Sanders Towboat Co., Hvide Marine Inc., DBA Mobile Bay Towing, SEABULK TOWING SERVICES INC, TRUE NORTH MARINE LLC, STAMFORD SERVICE INC, STAMFORD SERVICE INC, STAMFORD SERVICE INC, STAMFORD SERVICE INC, STAMFORD SERVICE INC
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