Kaye E. Barker Progression

[Steve B]

Unloading boom or not, I am just happy to see another vessel being put back into service. I have only been boatwatching 5 yrs or so, but she was one of my early favorites. Welcome back Kaye and Crew!

[pcolachap]

With regard to conversions, the Joseph H. Thompson was converted at Memonime, MI by a group out of Escanaba. I was aboard the "Joe" during the conversion process. Quite an interesting operation. Mike

[SteveG]

Also, at the very least I am glad that these boats have the unloading rigs installed, or there would be nothing to photograph as they would be gone (scrapped) forever! It also shows that with proper care these boats can last and last and last and still look great.

[standuffer]

I think many seasoned boatnerds would agree with you that the classic AAA’s style vessels without self-unloading gear were more pleasing to the eye than today’s version. I would take that statement one step further by adding that at least the self-unloader conversions that were done by Bay Shipbuilding, like the American Fortitude (Ernest T. Weir 2), American Valor (Armco), American Victory (Middletown), Pathfinder (J. L. Mauthe), James L. Kuber (Reserve), and Joseph Thompson, are considerably more pleasing to the eye, with their streamlined towers than are the boxy conversions made at Fraser Shipyards (GLF’s AAA’s) or the extremely boxy conversions done to the Canadian bulkers like the Algosteel, Frontenac, and Halifax.

[Sinbad]

She's still a fine boat but she looked better in Cliff's colors before she got the s.u. rig.

[GaryJ]

Ed, thanks for the photo post on
her progression, she'll be the eye
of many great lakes shipping fan
camera's soon!

GaryJ

[Boatkitten]

Absolutely beautiful pictures!

[Ed]

The progression of the Kaye E. Barker is coming along very well. Interlake is putting a lot of bucks into the old gal and plans to keep her going in the future.