Why do TUGboats PUSH their barges?

Question

Why do TUGboats PUSH their barges?

Answer 1

Strangely enough,  TOWBOATS are what you see pushing barges.  If you refer to a tugboat on the rivers(Mississippi, Ohio, etc) you are seen as a real rookie.  Tugs are more open water or harbor type vessels that will pull in open water and push for more control in confined waters.  A towline between tug and barge can be over 1/4 mile long or longer depending on sea conditions.  Some tugs fit in notches and operate as a single unit.  Harbor tugs will pull with short lines in rivers such as the Cuyahoga in Cleveland, because the twists and turns are too much for a ship alone to maneuver. Tugs will have pointed bows, towboats are straight across making them all but useless offshore.

Answer 2

because they use to SPILL their GUTS.

Now they just push.

Answer 3

In close harbors and rivers, they tie up with several lines to make them a tight part of the tow they are handling. At sea, they tow from a long stern line because the larger waves would break short tight lines.

Answer 4

Hmmmmm I would think that it woud be pretty hard to turn while pulling the load......or it could be the same reason that we parallel park in our cars..... you have a better control on your turn.

Answer 5

It offers better control when maneuvering. Generally, in transit, they will tow.

Answer 6

Barges do not have engines, so it clear that tugboats give them certain directions.