The Submarine Torpedo Boat
Its Characteristics And Modern Development

84 THE SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT The living quarters must be sheathed in cork or other insulation against dampness and moisture, and adequate means provided for properly heating and drying the in- terior. Unless this is accomplished the effect on the per- sonnel living for days in cramped wet quarters and a soggy atmosphere, even if this were all, may be imagined. The question of heating is vividly apparent to anyone who has made a winter cruise at sea on a vessel not sup- plied with heat. Many of the earlier boats were not sup- plied with heat at all. Of late electric heaters have been provided to some extent, but these have been found to consume such large quantities of electrical energy from the batteries that their use is being abandoned. In the late boats steam heaters and coils are being installed. When the combustion engines are running it is quite pos- sible to use the jacket water or heat from the exhaust gas to perform this object. Properly prepared and well cooked food is another very essential factor for the comfort and health of the crew. In the early boats the only food afforded the crew was cold and canned food and coffee heated over an oil stove. In the latest boats, however, an electric stove has been pro- vided with four or five heating plates, an oven and a coffee urn. A fireless cooker and a hot water reservoir are also added and an ice box is provided large enough to carry several days’ supply of fresh meats and perishables, and especially built lockers are installed for keeping other foods in dry condition. When the members of the crew know that they can turn in after a disagreeable watch, secure hot well cooked food and a dry comfortable place to sleep, the general feeling of contentment of all is bound to be much better. In fact the absolute efficiency of the