Project Manatee: Large-Scale Marine Tow System

The U.S. Navy's Engineering & Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) required a large-scale, reusable marine tow device for research, development, testing, and training — one that could be handled and transported easily despite its massive capacity.

SaintX designed and built the Manatee: a 55-foot-long by 5.5-foot-diameter tow tube holding 9,000 gallons (approximately 74,000 lbs) of seawater. Constructed from mil-spec coated fabric and 100% RF-welded, it features an aluminum plate system on each end for towing and linking multiple units together. At roughly 700 lbs dry, the unit rolls up for simple stowage and logistics.

• 9,000-gallon (≈74,000 lb) seawater tow capacity
• ~700 lb dry weight for easy handling and transport
• Modular aluminum end-plates for linking multiple units
• Rolls up compactly for simple stowage and logistics
• Delivered as a reusable R&D and training device for naval programs