Name/Title
Launch, NaphthaEntry/Object ID
1983.039Description
Naphtha Launch "Anita"
Approximately 3,000-5,000 naphtha launches were built between 1895 and 1905, ranging from 18 to 40 feet. Naphtha launches were the transition between steam and gasoline internal combustion power. The three cylinder engine was powered by pressure from the heated naphtha. When gasoline engines became available and reliable many launches were converted. The brass and copper naphtha engines had a high scrap value; because of this, only six remain, and Anita is currently the only known operational launch.
According to donor form: 1903 Gas Engine and Power Co. and Charles L. Seabury Consolidated 4 hp Naptha engine powered launch.
Other source states 1900, purchased at World's Fair, either Chicago or St. Louis.
In response to causalties caused by operator error of steam launches, in 1878 the Federal Government began requiring operators of vessels to be licensed. A loophole restricted the law to vessels powered by boiling water, so operators could avoid licensing by boiling something other than water. From this came Frank Ofeldt’s patented naptha launch. Approximately 3,000-5,000 naphtha launches were built between 1895 and 1905. Naphtha launches were the transition between steam and gasoline internal combustion power. The three cylinder engine was powered by pressure from the heated naphtha. Naptha is a low-grade gasoline, chemically halfway between today’s gasoline and kerosene. When gasoline engines became available and reliable many launches were converted. The brass and copper naphtha engines had a high scrap value; because of this, only six remain, and Anita is currently the only known operational launch. She was manufactured by the Gas Engine & Power Co. and Charles L. Seabury Consolidated, the only company to ever manufacture naptha launches. jmp 2010Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1983.039Source or Donor
Richardson, Jr., William H.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Charles L. Seabury CompanyDate made
1903Place
Location
Morris Heights, NY, USAEdition
Model: Naphtha LaunchNotes
Early Date: 1903
Propulsion: Naphtha Engine
Engine: naphtha
Cylinders: 3
HP: 6Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Old NumberOther Number
673Location
Building
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building
