On Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:47:50 -0700 (PDT), Bob
wrote:

On Apr 22, 2:47*pm, otnmbrd wrote:
:

There are still a number of ships out there using steam.
The problems with direct drive diesels and starting, though not gone, are
much more rare.
Diesel electric is out there, especially for those using Azipod (different
than Z-drive)
There are many cargo ships using "variable pitch"


My Dear Mr. Casady:
I see that you are a mariner and most likely a past Seaman.
Steam is not all that obscure. dont forget the the nuc navy is all
steam.
As far as variable pitched prop....... the fishing industry uses VP on
some of the factory trawlers and long liners. Open any National
Fisherman and there will be a few ads for VP props.

Thank you for varifying the obvious for thoes less knowledgable.

Since my post was about large cargo ships, I didn't mention VP or
steam since neither are used much on tankers and the big freighters.
There _is_ a steam ship on Lake Michigan. A car ferry, it has coal
fired boilers and piston engines, Fifty years old. The SS Badger it
is, and they have a website.