FAQs

P10 – 20″ (1′ 8″) when empty. P4-ISO – 27″ (2′ 3″) when empty

The spud is an over sized “Nail” which anchors the barge in place by free falling the spud into the river or lake bottom. The spud is fabricated from 18” x 1/2” wall pipe, and has a 20” sheave (a round thimble) at the bottom for P1 & P2 5′ barges. The spud is for P2 – 7′ barges is fabricated from 24″ x 1/2″ round pipe. The spud pocket mounts on the side of the barge at any two connection points.

The spud pockets are externally mounted and are attached at any two connection points. This gives you the flexibility to position the spuds on your barge so that they are not in your way while completing your work. Internal spud wells can be custom fabricated.

Poseidon prides itself in manufacturing sectional barges that are compatible with sectionals already in the marketplace. If a customer already owns a particular brand of sectional barge, the Poseidon Territory Manager can recommend the model that will connect to the customer’s stock.

Our corporate office and main inventory location is in Berne, IN. We also have satellite distribution yards located in Berne, IN; Williamstown, NJ; Seattle, WA; Belle Chasse, LA; Rio Vista, CA; Cocoa, FL; St. Louis, MO; Mt. Airy, NC; Coeymans, NY; Liverpool, TX; and Plain, WI.

The contractor is responsible for all repairs to the barges upon return from the project. We ask that you use crane matting to protect the surface of the barge when walking equipment onto the barges. This will keep the tops from rolling. This will also help to spread the load over a larger portion of the barge configuration. Any brackets welded to the barge must be removed and the remaining weldment ground off before returning the barges. Pictures and estimates for repairs will be forwarded to you as quickly as possible. Repair charges will be invoiced back to you. For more information, see our General Use Guidelines page.

We currently offer a ramp for the P2 – 5′ barges and are designing a similar ramp section for P1 – 5′ barges as well as P2 – 7′ barges. Another cost effective way to load your equipment on the barges is to use your 12″ wood crane mats. The barges should remain free floating while the equipment weight transitions from the land to the barge.

The Poseidon Barges are designed to be used only when floating in the water. “Beaching” the barges will create pivot points between the barge that is beached and the barge that is floating. Depending on the weight of the equipment, the connections will either crush in at the top or be pulled out at the bottom.

P1, P2, P3, P10, and P4 ISO barges which were built beginning in 2010 are built with a 18″ standard hatches in the tops of the barges. Older units are accessible using the 4 ballast tubes in the top corners of the barges.

There may be some options for Lease to Own or Financing, but they must be discussed prior to entering an agreement. There could be special terms or fees involved. Or, you may finance through an outside banking institution. Leasecorp, Inc in Noblesville, IN has handled financing for some of our customers in the past.

Our sales representatives will assist you in setting up the barges. Typical setup depending on the size of the platform, can be completed in less then a day. This can be scheduled while arranging for delivery of the barges.

Poseidon I Barges

• P1 – 40’ x 10’ x 5’ sections: 23,300 lbs each
• P1 – 20’ x 10’ x 5’ sections: 12,800 lbs each
• P1 – 10’ x 10’ x 5’ rake sections: 6,500 lbs each
• P1 – 5′ Spud Pocket: 2,200 lbs each
• 40’ x 18″ Round Spuds: 4,700 lbs each
• 30’ x 18″ Round Spuds: 3,600 lbs each
• 20’ x 18″ Round Spuds: 2,600 lbs each
• P1 – 5′ Hairpin Connector Pins: 55 lbs each

Poseidon II Barges

• P2 – 40’ x 10’ x 5’ sections: 23,400 lbs each
• P2 – 40′ x 10′ x 7′ sections: 33,900 lbs each
• P2 – 20′ x 10′ x 5′ sections: 10,700 lbs each
• P2 – 20′ x 10′ x 7′ sections: 18,500 lbs each
• P2 – 5′ Spud Pockets: 2,200 lbs each
• P2 – 7′ Spud Pockets: 3,994 lbs each
• P2 – 7′ 24″ x 1/2″ x 40′ Round Spuds: 7,140 lbs each

Poseidon III Barges

• P3 40’4″ x 10’4″ x 5′ sections: 23,700 lbs each

The spuds are lowered into the ground below the surface of the water to anchor the barge in place. Depending on the surface of the ground and the water current, you may need to use 4 Spuds rather than 2 to anchor the barge in place. Spuds can be raised and lowered using a winch system or crane line. Additionally, we offer deck cleats which are attached to the top of the barge and can be used to tie off the barge to a close tree or bridge peer. If at anytime the cable is exposed to the open water between the barge and the anchor point, it is critical to mark the cable with bright Orange Vinyl ties so as to warn anyone approaching the job site with a boat or jet ski that the cable is in place and could be a hazard.

The spuds can be raised and lowered with the crane or excavator on the barge. There is a lifting eye at the top of the spud. Make sure you have a choker that is 15′ – 20′ long so that when the spud is lowered into position on the river bottom, you do not need a ladder to climb up to release the crane line. Also, we rent and sell winch systems to raise and lower the spuds. Steel cable is not provided. Either 5/8″ or 3/4″ cable may be used depending on the type of winch is rented or purchased. Visit http://rasmussenco.com for more information.

Poseidon Sectional Barges are transported via tractor trailer trucks. We have local trucking companies who can haul two-Poseidon 1 or Poseidon 2 40’ x 10’ x 5’ barges on a step deck trailer. Poseidon 3 40’ x 10’ x 5’ barges must be shipped one per truck. There is a limited number of light weight trailer available so the more notice you give us the more likely we will be able to accommodate your needs. You may arrange for your own freight as well.

We will assist you in arranging freight. It is the contractor’s responsibility to pay for both incoming and outgoing freight.

The contractor is responsible for insuring the barges while they are in your possession. We will need a Certificate of Insurance naming Poseidon Barge, LTD as an “Additional Insured” under your general liability policy, plus listing us as a “Loss Payee” under your equipment floater policy for dual protection against physical damage. The insurance value would be the original purchase price.

We offer a 110 HP Hydraulic Barge Pusher unit that is attached to the back of our barge section. This unit has an adjustable propeller system that offers 180 degree turning with forward and reverse. Using our unit eliminates the need for a full time Captain sitting in a tug boat. You may also move the barges around using a fishing boat with a 75 to 100 HP outboard engine. Care must be taken to use a bumper system to protect the sides of the barge from damage when using your boat or a tugboat with push knees.

Stay tuned for more information.

Our barges are equipped with ballast tubes on the four corners of the barge. There are not sealed baffle walls on the interior. Ballast water can be added but must be removed prior to shipping the barges back. This can be done by using a small portable pump line down through the ballast tube or you can open up a ballast tube on opposite ends, attach an air compressor line and blow the water out the other end.

You may purchase the barges at the end of the rental however we can not apply the paid lease payments towards the purchase price of the barges.