Alexander McDougall (ship)

History
United States
NameAlexander McDougall
BuilderAmerican Steel Barge Company
Launched25 July 1898
IdentificationU.S Registry #107372
FateUnknown
General characteristics
Class and typeWhaleback freighter
Tonnage3672 gross
Displacement2824 net
Length418 ft (127 m)
Beam50 ft (15 m)
Draft22 ft (6.7 m)
Capacity6,800 tons bulk cargo

SS Alexander McDougall was a "whaleback" ship, the last and longest whaleback ever built.[1] The design, created by Scottish captain Alexander McDougall (1845–1923), enabled her to carry a maximum amount of cargo with a minimum of draft. Whalebacks were also called "pig boats", among other names, due to their appearance. The Alexander McDougall was the only whaleback built with a traditionally shaped bow. This was done in an attempt to increase the strength of the ship's hull so that the beam could be increased.

Alexander McDougall was also the only whaleback to be outfitted with a quadruple expansion engine.[1]

  1. ^ a b Zoss, Neel R. (2007). McDougall's Great Lakes whalebacks. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub. pp. 108–109. ISBN 978-0-7385-5143-2.