Boatnerd Discussion Forum

I`d have to say after looking at the photos , and the Google photo was the clincher , that this is an older barge that the Quarterdeck Marina purchased for use as a fuel dock / joining section for the marina . The size of it makes it suitable for working on something bigger than the berth catwalks can handle , as well as it`s purpose as a fuel depot . The `knees` you are talking about are permanently welded alterations and I think these are for dock stability , there are some welded on the side as well . As for it`s identity that will be far more difficult , hundreds and hundreds of barges went in ? status when sold for other use .

Whatever it is, it's been there a while because it shows up on 1992 Google Earth historical imagery. I wonder if someone at Skipper Bud's, Quarterdeck Marina or Harbor Club Marina would know, or whether it even predates their tenure there?

Attached are photos of a hull I am trying to identify. It is being used as a fuel dock at the Quarterdeck Marina in Surgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The measurement tool in Google Maps shows it to be roughly 265 feet long with a 48 foot beam. There appear to be push knees extending downward on the bow. Based on these, and the shape of the stern, I assume it was once an inland river towboat. Albeit a big one given those dimensions. A dredge or snag boat might be other possibilities.

The hull is older, appearing to be of riveted construction. Thanks in advance to any leads concerning the identity of the hull. I did ask at the marina, and the employee there did not know the history.

Google view: http://goo.gl/maps/E3xwI