Bert, I hate to disagree, but I've been around the tankers you refer to and they are larger than the Hunley. The size is far more confining. And bro, ain't no way I fit thru a 16x12 hatch!!!(:<))

My comments on the "different breed" I suppose just have to do with the fact that these people grew up in hardier and harder times. Drive out of Chattanooga to Nashville and look at the terrain, especially between Monteagle and Chattanooga. The Union army covered that ground in the late winter and early spring---lots of rain, lots of mud. Wool uniforms and blankets soaked through and unable to dry out. Temps in the 30's to the 70's that time of year with VERY variable weather. I don't even want to think about it.

Spaw