The University launch is to be ready for delivery in ten days. It has been definitely decided to call her the "John Harvard." She is to be one foot longer than the "Frank Thomson" with about the same beam. The delay in finishing her has been caused by the necessity of waiting for a Roberts boiler, with which she is expected to obtain a high rate of speed. This boiler projects high above the rail, but, owing to the low freeboard, it will probably be no higher above the water than that of the Frank Thomson and will go under bridges as easily. An unfortunate feature is the funnel, which is about five feet high and reminds one of the old "John Harvard."
The contract speed is 14.5 knots per hour, but a higher rate is hoped for. To obtain this a remarkably large propeller will be used, the blades of which are protected by a deep false keel. The boat differs from the new Weld launch in that she has a round stern and is intended to travel on her own wave, which it is admitted will be a large one. The Weld launch, on the contrary, is designed to make a small wave which will be of advantage to the crews.
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