St. Mary's Challenger

[guest7]

If tug/barge is the future for cement, wouldn't it be cheaper to sink some money into fixing whatever problems the long inactive St. Marys Cement III has than to notch the St. Marys Challenger? I realize Port City is the St. Marys Challenger's current owner, but St. Marys Cement remains the primary customer and they have chartered out vessels in the past. I also realize that the St. Marys Cement III is foreign built and therefore can't be used on domestic U.S. runs but it could be swapped with the St. Marys Cement which was built in Toledo and could therefore be brought under U.S. flag. At 9400 tons, the St. Mary Cement's capacity is only about 8% less than the St. Marys Challenger's 10,250 ton capacity. St. Marys Cement probably doesn't handle heavy seas well, but I understand the St. Marys Challenger has been pampered when it comes to heavy weather for years anyway.

[Darryl]

Yes, and it is bad for the crew, too.

[Brindfan]

What a crappy day for boatnerds. First I read that the USCGC Storis has been sold for $71,000 to a Mexican scrapping company, and now they want to mutilate the St. Mary's Challenger. This stinks!

[Chief]

Don't start digging her grave yet. It will depend on what the inspection reveals. I know that they do a lot of preventative maintenance on the engine over the winter so I would think that it is in good shape. Although the idea of replacing the Skinner with a diesel doesn't excite me, it's better then having her barged. Lets just hope that everything looks good and we will see her steaming the lakes for at least another 5 years. I think that she is the last Skinner powered freighter left.

[Paul H]

The news story states that she has three trips left this year. Does anyone know what routes she will take, or what cities she will visit on her last trips?

[Denny]

So if they end up barging her then, what of the current ships and boats left on the lakes would be the oldest and longest running ship on the Great Lakes/Seaway system? Also, if they end up barging the Challenger could any items be saved and preserved someday in a museum somewhere? I would love to see some of her modern equipment and past for that matter preserved and saved so that future generations can see and witness history as it once was.

[tugboat1947]

This one would truly be a heart breaker. To see the longest surviving boat on the lakes meet a fate it's like disabling a warrior, it's functional with less form. But economics rules and the cement doesn't know the difference it's just money right??
I had lunch aboard meet Rocky Groh who was first mate back early 80's and had lunch with the captain best chipped beef and white gravy I have ever had was a unique visit
Bruce Lolmaugh 3long 2 short to my favorite boat

[Lakerguy]

Given the story in today's news I guess the rush is one to see the Challenger before she's cut down. I haven't seen her on the AIS in quite a while. Does anyone know if/when she is due in Charlevoix again? Thanks