The Most Vulnerable Part of Any Museum Ship: The Wind Water Line

In this episode we're talking at the drydock looking at the ship's wind water line.
For our previous video on paint:
To get your drydock merchandise:
www.battleshipnewjersey.org/s...
For all the details on drydock and to get your tickets:
www.battleshipnewjersey.org/d...
To send Ryan a message on Facebook: / ryanszimanski
To support the battleship's efforts to drydock, go to:
63691.blackbaudhosting.com/63...
The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the content creator only and may not reflect the views and opinions of the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial, the Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey, Inc., its staff, crew, or others. The research presented herein represents the most up-to-date scholarship available to us at the time of filming, but our understanding of the past is constantly evolving. This video is made for entertainment purposes only.

[@firemedic5100]

I can't believe how good the ship looks after the years since the last dry dock. She appears to be ready for battle if needed.

[@zbiggun7594]

Which is fantastic. Except her fuel system is apparently swiss cheese now.

[@nathanaeljonesmyfsd]

@@zbiggun7594 Apparently it was swiss-cheesed in the last dry-docking period, too, according to some comments ¯\ _(ツ)_/¯

[@kimsmith6974]

@@zbiggun7594 What caused that ?

[@zbiggun7594]

@@kimsmith6974 IDK, just going by what Ryan said in one of the previous videos.

[@donkeyboy585]

I was amazed as well

[@3UZFE]

I think Ryan could talk about anything and make it interesting.

[@JeffBilkins]

"Hi, I'm Ryan Szimanski, curator of Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial. And today we're going to enumerate the infinite rooms on the booklet of general plans." Everybody else: cheering, with a rustle of snacks and drinks

[@thebeardedmaverick]

This has easily become my favorite series on YT. My grandfather served in the Navy in the Pacific. He was a petty officer on the USS Ottawa, a Tolland-class attack cargo ship, and no doubt was defended by battleships like the New Jersey while taking supplies to Marines on Okinawa. Small peek into what I consider the bravest generation.

[@project182r3]

I was the Admiral on USS New Jersey.

[@robertf3479]

During my Navy Service I was privileged to be able to watch 3 of the 4 Iowa class BBs at sea, Iowa in exercises and Missouri & Wisconsin during Desert Storm. I also was asked to assist Iowa in setting up part of their Intelligence Center on loan from my destroyer. These battlewagons are amazing ships, we will never see their kind again in service.

[@phillipbouchard4197]

I see from your comment that your Grandfather served on a Tolland Class Attack Cargo Ship in the Pacific in W.W.# 2. My Uncle Phil served on a Tolland Class Attack Cargo Ship as well, his being U.S.S. New Hanover AKA 73 and was at Nagasaki, Japan at the end of the war to pick up Japanese War Material for evaluation at our facilities in Dahlgren and Aberdeen. He was a 2nd class Carpenters Mate in after damage control.

[@321CatboxWA]

​@@project182r3Admiral of the brown fleet that shows up whenever your handler gives you a bath .

[@brianfoster7064]

It's unlikely that a BB ever escorted any of the supply ships. Escorts were done, if at all, by smaller ships: Frigates and destroyers.

[@RJN82]

What a relief to see the ship is in such great shape!

[@garthhancock3373]

My grandfather served on this ship during the Korean conflict of the 1950s. He said nothing else would bring a smile to your face like when hearing the guns fire.

[@Mrdrcaptaintroy]

I live in Maryland, I remember visiting the New Jersey in Boy Scouts, and visiting for my birthday as a kid. It's fantastic to see it being taken care of so well so that people will be able to appreciate it for many decades to come.

[@mencken8]

Even though we were in drydock several times when I was aboard ship in the Navy 1963-66, I find this series very interesting.

[@cruisinguy6024]

Where did you stay when she was in dry dock? I assume the crew vacated the ship ?

[@mencken8]

@@cruisinguy6024 No- in none of the cases were we required to move to barracks ashore. The first time there was a grounding and a screw was damaged. We went to Boston to have it replaced, a few days. The second time was to clean the bottom and it would have been nice if we could have stayed on shore, but no soap- the racket was amazing. The third time our sonar dome had failed, and we went into a floating drydock in Davisville RI for a replacement, only 3 days.

[@zbiggun7594]

@@mencken8 New Jersey has a sonar dome?

[@Ken_Koonz]

​@@zbiggun7594 Perhaps the OP was not on the New Jersey...

[@BillHamblinn]

Ryan is a treasure. You are very lucky to have him.

[@nigozeroichi2501]

I'm curious about the stuffing boxes for the shafts and rudders.

[@ryanstiffler5632]

When I toured it last week the docent mentioned that they're planning to repack them with the lack of rotation of the shafts in mind.

[@dennisverhaaf2872]

​@@ryanstiffler5632I know but I think the navy did that as well while her shafts can be unlocked from the inside she would always need drydocking to remove al the blanks and then perhaps gett her sailing packing at the same time

[@yaseen157]

As a watcher from the uk who hopes to visit one day, thank you for these amazingly interesting videos! I always learn so much, its truly an art!

[@jpjh8844]

If you ever visit, just know there is plenty of affordable lodging close by. Also if you like Aquariums, the Battleship is literally docked outside the Camden Aquarium.

[@randallfawc7501]

Not exactly hull issues, but shaft seals and maybe shaft seals/bearings on the hull shaft supports? As far as hull condition, sounds like she is ready for action again!! ;>) You are doing great work Ryan!

[@Biker_Gremling]

Ryan has proven to be a great Battleship curator, huge fan of his ethics and work.

[@jacquelinewalter1276]

I guess so, but does Ryan want me to start spamming again?

[@vergil64]

the seals around the propeller shafts

[@Varangian_af_Scaniae]

I got this channel recommended by KZbin just a few days ago. A topic I wouldn't spend much time on but Ryan seem so knowledgably and a good narrator. Reminds me a bit about Chris Hadfield and his videos about space (ohh God that was 10 years ago, time flies).

[@ngcolby]

Ryan started out being pretty bad at this (he even grimaces and warns against going back and watching early vids when he references them) but he has gotten really good over time at presenting a particular aspect of the ship during a given video. The more you watch, the more you get suckered in. This channel is absolutely worthy of your time.

[@GrantWaller.-hf6jn]

If you like check out Drac. He is a self taught historical Naval channel. For anything pre 1950s. He is so good. Ryan talked Drac to fly from London to Pearl Harbor for an event. And the museum ship community gave an award for helping ships awareness to the public world wide. Also He has shot videos for his channel and the public have come up and ask questions thinking he was the ships staff.

[@therealniksongs]

@@GrantWaller.-hf6jn The name of the channel you refer to is, of course, Drachinifel, for anyone who might not already know. Drach is an engineer by trade and brings an attention to detail and a great British sense of humor to his videos. The depth of his knowledge is extraordinary. I always love it when he and Ryan collaborate. it was very cool to see that he was there aboard New Jersey for her trip into the drydock. I believe he made a special trip from the U. K. just for the occasion.

[@chadhartsees]

@@ngcolby I agree! I started watching not long after he started and it's been fun to see him get better and more confident. I admire his bravery. Going on camera probably wasn't on his top 10 list but he's really done well.

[@catdaddy3728]

My Son and I went on the drydock tour yesterday. Amazing thing to do. Folks working the tour and our tourguide are very informative and nice people!! It was a great time. Hey Ryan, we saw you and my son was talkin to you and shook your hand. You do a great job representing the ship! The ship appears to be in great condition, the bottom looked great. My Dad was underneath the ship when it was launched, there to man jacks and rams in case it got stuck on the slipways, haha, which it surely did not, so it was kind of fun to see what my Dad saw all those years ago. It was a fun day. We will come back for a topside tour when ship goes back home!

[@joshuabidgood2915]

I would like to see the seals or whatever they are called that go along the shafts. When I toured the Iowa, the tour guide just said there were seals. I am just curious what is used to prevent water coming in.

[@jeffreymcurtis]

The area around the shafts or maybe the rudders

[@macro820]

I'd like to hear more about the tug that moved the ship this time and historically. Thanks

[@gasengineguy]

Prop shaft seals

[@mandowarrior123]

Thank goodness. Its good to know that the fresh water may well preserve her for many decades, even centuries to come.

[@Odin029]

If the ship could talk, she would remind Ryan and the rest of the museum staff that New Jersey is always in the best material condition of all of the Iowas...

[@scottpenland3576]

Served in both New Jersey an Missouri and history of their service was often on my mind as I went about my time onboard both. Ryan does great job with New Jersey! Wish I could have seen all of the spaces while onboard. Getting your qualifications onboard a battleship would be daunting task with all her systems.

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

Thank you. Everything you discuss educates us about the ship.

[@DavidSmith-cx8dg]

It's great to hear issues about the wind water line are not of concern at the moment .Ryan did do a video about the forepeak tanks and evidence of corrosion from film of the last docking . It does show how corrosive seawater is compared to fresh . Hopefully the ultrasonic tests will confirm all is well . I suppose the prop shaft and rudder glands are likely to be important if all other hull openings are blanked and tested .

[@CalifgalCindy1]

Great preventative work on the wind water line, a ounce of prevention is more than in order

[@markgordon2260]

Thanks again Ryan. What a great informative series on the New Jersey, and ships in general.

[@jth877]

I've read a few comments on the 80s reactivations and repairs made during that time. They suggested all of the ships had some shell plating replaced on the wind waterline forward of turret 1.

[@risby1930]

That is the same problem for all ships and boats, just not museum ships. Really enjoy your channel.

[@npsit1]

I'll be sure to visit USS NJ once you truck it over to the midwest. I'm sure it'll be fine. Just add some offroad tires.

[@stevenkessler1279]

This such a great series. Hard to remember that when the NJ was designed there was no BIM design systems or CAD/Cam, on and on. Just many many smart engineers with slide rules! I really excites as I'm signed up for a tour on Sunday. Great job on Ryan in bringing history alive!

[@chadhartsees]

I just want to say you do a great job Ryan.

[@dalesql2969]

Other areas I'd look at are the sea chests. Just inside that hull opening is a valve, usually of a dissimilar metal, and that gives the galvanic daemons opportunity to chew on the steel.

[@daves8074]

Ryan great to hear things are going good. Knowing the peak tank wind water line looks good is a positive sign. I am interested to hear how the blanks and the shaft/rudder packing is looking.

[@glasseyemarduke3746]

glad to hear that no hot work is needed so far!

[@JohnSheridan-vl1xn]

If I remember correctly, USS Massachusetts had to apply doubler plates along the wind/water line when she was drydocked back in 1998 due ot severe erosion..

[@oaw117]

A video idea i thought might be interesting is comparing New Jersey to other ship accidents and seeing how she would fare. Titanic's iceberg, Poseidon adventure, empress of Ireland. I know you have done videos comparing battle damage of other ships, or head vs head comparisons.

[@Joseph55220]

Point of slight correction: the waterline is calculated based on optimizing the boat's cruise- and flank- speeds with a minor bias towards improving range at cruise instead of trying to squeeze the last half-knot out of her top- top-speed (because it takes an hour of straight-line sailing just to get up to flank-speed anyways). And then the armor and turrets were designed out away from the intended centers of buoyancy and mass to achieve an optimal armor profile at expected battle-speeds given the already calculated intended water-line: but obviously all of this gets screwed up if she has taken battle damage and is listing or flagging at the head or stern or if she is unable to make battle-speeds.

[@Joseph55220]

For any super-nerds that wanted to read on: the Iowas were tremendously capable of using their mains to great-effect if they were operating at a normal battle-speed OR if they were slowed to near-nothing but far less accurate at mid-range speeds. But, her WW2-era fire control systems IMPUTED a designed-assumption that the boat was riding an even-keel and trimmed appropriately for the speed she was making. The gun directors certainly had procedures for compensating for a list or other abnormal situations - but, if she wanted to be shelling a target at distance while scoring hits - she either needed to be going fast enough to be driving the bow up and really creating that white-surf mustache on the bow or she needed to be at a near-drift: which is dangerous if you are in-range of the enemy, but dramatically less-so if you still out range your foe by 5-6 miles.

[@Joseph55220]

Underway replenishment - a talent that we developed which was far more important to the outcome of the second world war than the skill of our carrier planes (the direct opposite of the Japanese experience) - is also REQUIRED to be conducted between vessels that can match speed and course, in choppy seas, and be riding on a very even-keel, which can be very difficult to account for when you are traveling and speed and independently bobbing and bouncing in 3-different dimensions of space-time.

[@fire304]

I have to suspect that the natural fiber packing in the stuffing boxes would be degrading over time and could lead to leaks at the prop shafts and rudder shafts.

[@jar8459]

Thanks Ryan

[@timbonjovi]

Great video !

[@danielmkubacki]

Keep up the good job!

[@Firestorm2900]

I wonder if the water inlets and outlets are in a similar situation. I mean, the wave action probably transfers into the tanks and compartments those lead to.

[@andyedwards9222]

As a Limey and used to the metric system, your use of "mils" caused initial confusion. 30 mil of paint seemed rather thick (nearly 1 1/4") then I heard you mention thousandths of an inch. Light bulb moment.

[@richtidd]

Great job Ryan and Libby

[@Thor_Asgard_]

not first, but the restauration of void spaces would be interresting.

[@crakkbone8473]

I wouldn’t eat there.

[@AT-xr8qh]

Speak for yourself buddy. Not the craziest place I’ve ever ordered food

[@jimmers123]

Try looking back over the BB'S videos over time, especially around 2030-2021, there were a few vids about the void spaces from then. A lot of jokes came from that period, especially the ones about spaces in relation to one particular curator in height.

[@jarradwright1509]

How about a video about the drydock itself since it’s historic and any historic features.

[@eddieb1323]

After so many years of non use I'd be concerned about the condition of the packing for the shafts and rudders.

[@hmw-ms3tx]

Shell plating near the screws. Although in fresh water the galvanic action between the bronze screws and the steel plating is likely greatly reduced compared to salt water.

[@edmartin5654]

That is awesome news!!!!!

[@zbiggun7594]

I'd definitely be concerned about the propeller shaft ports into the shaft alleys, the rudder post joints and ports into the steering compartment, and the stabilizing struts that hold the 2 outboard shafts. Also the blanks over the sea chests but you guys already checked those.

[@zJoriz]

About the ship's condition... now you mention it, yes! I wonder about the prop shafts. In an earlier video you mentioned it's coated with a substance that should keep water out (and is also one of the main reasons Iowa shouldn't turn her propellers). I wonder if the checks from the outside revealed anything interesting about this.

[@ryanmanner2503]

I'd love to see up close where the propeller shafts come through the hull and out to the propellers.

[@fsj197811]

You've had her out of the water for a while now's the pressure testing of the block off plates coming? Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelfrank2266]

Possibly no hot work?! Outstanding news Ryan!!!

[@geoguy001]

OPENINGS FOR THE SHAFT

[@camickelson]

The bow.. And like you said around the fenders

[@sqwirt]

My bet would be on the seals around the propeller shafts, where they exit the hull. I'd love to hear what your plan is around those

[@diytwoincollege7079]

The ship is in good hands 🙌

[@joebeach7759]

I thought you did a video about the area of the bow around the peake tanks where you thought the thickness was getting critical? Was that not the case?

[@Drakonniz]

What do I think would be a vulnerable area after years of neglect / lack of use / etc? The Prop shaft seals is what I would check. Mainly, because you have checked everything else.

[@king_br0k]

Im curious about the rudder pivot mechanisms, and how they are sealed

[@charlesmaurer6214]

With this info the Navy needs to build a few freshwater harbours up a couple rivers for the mothball fleets. Or at least build some sea walls to reduce salt water inflow to some bays.

[@adampopour8491]

The seals around the prop shaft

[@arniestuboud]

When returning to Camden, if possible insure that the large flexi fenders used to keep the ship away from the pier are totally above the wind waterline's extra paint coatings. This would obviously create less wear and tear on the WL so hopefully it may last even looooonnnnnger !!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK RYAN & TEAM !!!

[@allwaysareup]

Also a heck of a lot easier to repair any damage if they are on dry areas

[@michaelclark3544]

How exactly do the propeller shafts come thru the hull? Is there some sort of a bushing or gasket? Is that being inspected also? What keeps the shafts centered as they exit the ship? Whatever it is, does it need maintenence overtime as well? Does it leak need pumping out? I imagine if the shaft isn't perfectly centered or gets misaligned somehow it would create a heck of a vibration and considerable damage to the thru hull opening. I never thought about any of this until watching this video amd seeing them by the screws painting the rudder. I see a few others are curious about some of this as well.

[@kfree1966]

Thank you for another great video. One area of concern would be the packing and seals of the prop shafts. How are they holding up?

[@arkwill14]

I wonder if some plastic tanks could be installed in forward parts of the ship in lower unused compartments and then filled with water to replace some of the normal operating weight that is absent from the ship now? I'm thinking tanks like the ones you see ranchers and contractors hauling around on trailers might be cost effective. Besides the benefit of the ship sitting at its proper waterline, it would also be relatively easy to empty tanks as needed in order to do inspections and such by pumping out water and dumping it overboard.

[@johnmcgrath7668]

I’d expect the stern glands to need work due to all the dissimilar metals found back there. But it , so far looks like all your anodes seems to have done their jobs properly!

[@collinmccallum4376]

The seals on the propeller shafts

[@JoshSees]

I'd imagine that the effects of seagull droppings over time could make an interesting video

[@ziggyedison2409]

Hi Ryan, Have you considered inserting spouts into the above waterline water outlets? This could prevent that staining that runs down below them.

[@krispayne729]

I would say what you said the wind water line but being in brackish water that's only slightly salty surprisingly the new jerseys in great shape

[@volvowagon70]

I would think the aft section where the propeller shafts exit the hull would be quite vulnerable.

[@blubberking100]

I want to see the bushings from the outside that the propellor shafts stick out through the hull of the ship from! how those seals have help up

[@dmac5994]

will the rudders be turned to allow paint onto all sides of the hinges? thanks for the great informative videos.

[@Surtur04]

How are the seals for the prop shafts doing?

[@n.b.barnett5444]

I think the area around the bronze propellers would be specifically at risk of corrosion because of the electrical interaction between dissimilar metal alloys. Ned in Nevada

[@NotSure416]

Are you going to dip the entire ship in cosmoline when done?

[@brianfoster7064]

Ryan, has anyone considered welding a trapazoidal frame (long side being the ship's hull) at each point where the fenders are placed to prevent that friction and damage to the plates?

[@MoritzvonSchweinitz]

​​Didn't you once mention that you were worried about the propeller shaft seals eventually leaking? Are you goin to to something to those seals?

[@SomeRandomHuman717]

Yes, it's been covered in recent videos, they have plans to repack the seals.

[@Bluenoser613]

What about the stuffing boxes on the prop shafts, or whatever seal is used like that? Are you going to inspect or replace those?

[@rocklarsen228]

I’m wondering about the internal plumbing, especially the steam piping. I can’t help but imagine the navy re activating the ship to preserve freedom in the world, and I hope it wouldn’t take too long to replace/fix any weak or leaking areas of the plumbing inside the ship.

[@user-wx4cx2mx3e]

USS Missouri in the new TV series - FALLOUT, episode 6, enjoy)))

[@Convoycrazy]

I'm very curious to hear about the status of the gland packing for the propeller shafts and the rudder shafts!

[@dalesql2969]

Also are you going to repack the gaskets sealing the prop shafts where they go through the hull?

[@EMJ31]

Could you bring the ship into more optimal trim and draft by replacing the elements of in service combat weight with something such as sand (which could be sucked or pumped out if necessary) to make it sit more correctly?

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Ryan. Would it not have been possible to do ultra-sound thickness shots from inside the hull even before dry docking, and/or for future monitoring of condition?

[@pscwplb]

Are you going to take a measurement from a reference point to the propeller shafts so that you can monitor droop over time?

[@EricDKaufman]

Ph.D. corrosion scientist here. Don't get me started on this topic. But yeah, what you said.

[@Leenre9]

I'm interested about what will you guys check and do on the propeller shaft seals as NJ is in drydock. If they are looking good from the outside too, just some coat of paint will be enough on them?

[@AaronAngelo]

Is the packing where the propeller shafts go through the hull being inspected or replaced?

[@MoparNewport]

How are the glands for the propeller shafts and rudder shafts looking from the outside? Think we could get some super close up shots of those?

[@livingfortheonewhodiedform4418]

What about the prop-shaft seals how do those work and what is required in maintenance?

[@CTXSLPR]

Ryan, how is the riverward side looking compared to the pierside with more wake action from passing ships? Does more of it look like the area where your fenders were rubbing?

[@Train115]

How is the bridge at the armored conning tower doing? On Massachusetts the floor has rusted away.

[@Joseph55220]

Underway replenishment - a talent that we developed which was far more important to the outcome of the second world war than the skill of our carrier planes (the direct opposite of the Japanese experience) - is also REQUIRED to be conducted between vessels that can match speed and course, in choppy seas, and be riding on a very even-keel, which can be very difficult to account for when you are traveling and speed and independently bobbing and bouncing in 3-different dimensions of space-time.

[@MrGodOfBeer]

Would like to see the propeller shaft seals from the outside. Will there be any specific work done in that area?

[@finleybd]

What about the area between the rudders and the hull, at the top where they cover part of the hull.

[@witty1764]

Im curious of how do the propeller shafts seals look like? Are they still intact of the water side as they are inside?

[@thalx]

Do those shafts have cutlass bearings? If they do not turn, you may find pitting corrosion in the tighter/anoxic portions.

[@donkeyboy585]

3 Cheers for fresh(ish) water

[@jacquelinewalter1276]

Let people party on dry land. Some are already building upon a new wide deep foundation and some are parked up by the fresh water stream for a good view.