Bob, I can tell you a bit about wood-fired steam engines, including that they use a tremendous amount of fuel. A few years ago I had 20 small steamers overnighting at my docks. I got them two dump trucks full of firewood, and it only powered them for a day or two down the canal. An unfinished page from that day: http://www.tug44.org/waterford.tugboat.roundup/steamboat-meet/ And my friend Capt Bill has one too: http://www.tug44.org/tugboats.trawlers/african-queen/ Most small steam engines are 2-cylinder. The steam goes to the first cylinder and as it gets exhausted it goes to a larger cylinder which uses up the left over power in the steam. That 2nd cylinder is larger because the steam it receives is cooler and not as high pressure. This arrangement increases efficiency. They still burn a ridiculous amount of fuel, but they do give the advantage that you can cook your food right inside the firebox. The engines all run almost completely silent. Just a little mechanical clatter is all you hear. And you feel the heat from the boiler. Fred Tug 44 ---------------------------------------- From: "bob" <relder@cape.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 10:03 PM To: great-loop@lists.trawlering.com Subject: GL: old 1 lung steam or diesel boats Greetings all, Sort of fishing here. Does anyone know anything about old steam powered or 1 lung diesel powered boats, 38 to 40ish feet in length? Fishing for info about doing the loop in a 1 lung boat. Thanks...bob