The Reliable was a diesel towboat with steel hull and twin props. She was built in Chicago by Calumet Ship Yard & Dry Dock Co., in 1942, and was 148 x 31.1 x 8.9. She was powered by National superior eight cylinder diesels with a total of 2000 hp at 300 rpm; supercharged, direct drive. Kort nozzles were placed by Dravo in 1948. Dravo also installed Sperry radar in November 1946. She was the first boat to have radar on inland rivers. Originally named Tri-State, she was owned by Ashland Oil & Refining Co. until 1960 when she was sold to Reliable Towing Co., Joliet, IL, who changed her name to Reliable. In 1965 she was transferred under charter to the Tennessee Towing Co., Memphis, TN.
Dad piloted this at least once in 1965.
Photo courtesy of Dan Owen.