Other than the name of the submersible, the boat people on this forum will know what this picture indicates about the operation!
I’m just posting to find out the REAL answer.
But I will take a guess at not having wheel chocks? (Hmm - probably one of those multiple choice answers with 5: All of the above.)
At least that looks like a modern, factory-built boat, as far as my limited boat knowledge allows. It does not look like something assembled from parts found at Sanford & Son’s junkyard.
Give us a hint.
Too tall to go under an overpass?
I am not a boat person, but it looks to me like there is a scuff mark or potential hull damage just above the waterline. The photo resolution isn’t high enough to see what is going on..
And, do we know if this is the only boat the group owns?
Was it used in conjunction with the fatal dive in any capacity?
Tragic boating accident?
As a 45 year Washington State resident and boat owner, I know EXACTLY what you mean with the photo.
Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers?
Bayliner?
The OceanGate boat appears to be a Bayliner 2859
See Bayliner Owners Club
https://www.baylinerownersclub.org/forum/bayliner-models/cruisers/603671-what-to-look-for-in-buying-a-2859
Comments, there [EXCERPTS]:
"Sterndrive maintenance, potential fuel tank replacement and potential transom core issues. Have it surveyed and do a good long sea trial with [Wide Open Throttle "WOT"] testing etc."
"Along with the structural issues check for black stains around windows. They are prone to leaking."
"We looked at 2 today and both had issues with black mold from leaks around windows."
[Re Black Stains] "It seems as though when they installed the monkey fur at the factory, they let it lay outside of the window opening and so long as it wasn't visible outside of the window frames, they applied sealant on the window frame and pressed the window into place. Problem being that the monkey fur could still get wet, and worked like a wick, drawing the water inside and allowing the gremlins in the water to grow and stain everything. I can tell you from experience that it is a bearcat of a job to remove the windows to reseal them."
"Check for corrosion on the inside gimbal housing plate around steering fork,"
"Aluminum tanks on any brand boat need to inspected yearly after about 10 years."
"During your [marine] survey, be sure to have the fuel tank pressure tested for leaks. If you need to replace the tank it is a major task, as you will need to remove the engine and cut out the floor in the mid-birth. Also check the steering seal for any leaks, and this will be visible inside the engine room where the steering shaft exits the transom."
Included in the photo, are objects that are probably test cylinders, for testing exposure to the elements. The big diam. test cylinder, at a glance, appears to be made of the Carbon Fibre and epoxy composition.
Is this the Polar Princess (the ship that launched the Titan), or is this the Titan?
The dreaded Bayliner! Unggggh!