Question to the society that wanted to save the JB Ford

[Chris M]

I know everyone was nervous when the did a survey a few yrs ago and as Al said they were shocked as to how well the hulls shape was in. Also what's left of the Gaillard is still being used as a spud barge around the twin ports.

[Al]

The thinking for many years was that the Meteor's buried hull had deteriorated. But several years the boat was surveyed by an expert to determine its condition and, if I recall correctly, its hull was found to be in surprisingly good shape. However, it's important to note that Barkers Island, home of the Meteor, was built of dredge spoils and, in essence, that end of the island was filled in around the moored vessel. I doubt you could do that in Port Huron. I've never been to Alpena's waterfront, but my guess is that is would be difficult to do something similar there, too. As an aside, the Gaillard was buried on Barkers Island for only a few years while the Meteor has been there for more than 40 years.

[Guest 2]

I was the guest who posted the original comment about the hull being rotted under the dirt. My source was information stated at a fundraiser for the Meteor circa 5-or so years ago, as part of the reason the long term preservation plan (at least at that time) involved digging out and refloating the boat. Perhaps more recent surveys are telling a different story. I have no involvement the Meteor preservation group. Nor have I gone out to Barker's Island with a shovel to look for myself. :) :)

[Guest]

For years, I heard that the Meteor and Gaillard hulls were rotted at the ground line. But as Chris M mentions, this report from the Boatnerd News Archives states otherwise:

Workboat Report 08/29/2003
On August 1, the steam dipper dredge Col. D.D. Gaillard was removed from Barkers Island where she has been since her retirement in the early-80's. As the lake-level is down, she was stuck "up a hill" in the park and Billington Contracting used an interesting method to get her afloat.
The dirt on the Lake side was dug and pulled out into the lake to form a large dike. Water was pumped into the dike (much like in the Locks) and the old dredge began to float. The bottom was then dredged to lake-level and the dike removed.

The tug Seneca was on the scene to pull her free. After a lot of doubt over the condition of the dredge's hull, when the dirt was removed, it was revealed her hull was in mint condition with the draft marks still with perfect paint.
She was taken over to N.P. #2 and will be scrapped down to the hull which will be saved for use as a spud barge.

[Chris M]

Guest, not sure where you got your information om the Meteor but her hull below the dirt is in excellent shape.

[mopar tim]

I would love to see the Crapo in Alpena. It is the place where it most likely belongs and I would rather see her in the water than land so I hope the museum can find a way.

[Guest]

Not sure about the Huron Light Ship, but that is what was done with the Meteor in Superior, WI. Now circa 40 years later the hull is pretty well rotted under the dirt line. Cheap in the short term, but not really a viable long term preservation plan.

[Lakerguy]

They want to bring it here to Alpena. We have a Maritime Museum that is attached to the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve. It is right on the river and the tentative plan is to dock the Crapo behind the museum. In a conversation I had with someone who was part of the group I was told that the docking situation was already arranged and approved.

[mopar tim]

Would it be possible to take one of these smaller boats like the Ford or the Crapo and put them on shore close to the water like the Huron Lightship in Port Huron?. This would avoid any long term docking fee and possibly insurance issues. One of these boats would be a great center piece to the new river walk by the Maritime Center.

[Guest]

Other issues include 1) Where would you put it? 2) Where would you get the money to lease or buy that dock space? 3) How would you make it self-supporting when other museum boats around the lakes are just scraping by?

[Shipwatcher1]

Another consideration is the Ryerson can still be useful. We saw this in 2006. I'd also have to believe that if there was sufficient business, the Ryerson owners can/will convert her.

[Guest]

There were never any restrictions on converting the Ryerson, Boatnerd urban legend. This was debunked by company officials. Money was never there due to the extensive work needed in her cargo holds.

[William Lafferty]

Nora Butler Ryerson passed away 30 December 1971, less than five months after the passing of her husband.

[BigRiver]

Mrs Ryerson likely passed away some years ago. Edward L. Ryerson died in 1971.

[Deanad]

Just asking a question if I may. The Crapo is a great choice and does a great job here in Green Bay Wisconsin. Why not focus on my and so many other Boat Nerds and try to work on the Ryerson?? It will never be converted to a self unloader according to Edward's EX, from what I have heard she own's the boat. Maybe she will do something awesome and let her become a maritime museum here in Wisconsin where she was built. Only my thoughts:)