The Bryan B. was a steel hulled, diesel towboat with twin props. She was built at Neville Island, PA by Dravo Corporation in 1951 and was 108 x 26.5 x 9. She was powered by Superior eight cylinder diesels putting out a total of 1066 hp and had kort nozzles. She was originally named Crucible and was owned by Crucible Steel Co. of America, Pittsburgh, until 1961, when she was sold to Island Creek Fuel & Transportation Co., Huntington, WV.. She was sold about 1962 to Hillman Barge & Construction Co., Pittsburgh. She was sold again in 1966 to Merdie Boggs & Sons, Inc., Flatwoods, KY. She had Caterpillar D-398 diesels totaling 1600 hp placed in her in 1966, and was renamed Bryan B.
Dad trip piloted on the Bryan B.
Photo courtesy of Dan Owen.