Whaleboat "Lake Sturgeon" Launched

ISEA launched its ex-Navy motor whaleboat Lake Sturgeon yesterday afternoon.  All systems operated well, and the brief shakedown cruise was deemed a success.  The next steps are to finish some outfitting details and to do the US Coast Guard stability test.  We hope to be licensed for passengers by the Classic Boat Show on July 20.

 

On our way to the launch ramp.  Thanks, Russ Carew, for the heavy hauling.

About to splash.  George and Calvin Powell handling lines.

 

Radio Check before leaving the dock.  The little Yanmar 3-cylinder diesel is warming up.

Underway. Also aboard were ISEA Comminications Intern Callie Chappell and Capt. Allen Wolfe.

Veiw over the bow.

At the ISEA Waterfront 

Thanks to Gordie and Susan Brown for the donation of the whaleboat, and to all those who helped with the re-fit this winter and spring:  Chuck Dickerson, Janet Dickerson, Ben Hale, George Powell, Calvin Powell, Bruce Lehmann, Tony DeRose, Jerry Battle, Bill Emerson, Lee Hepner, Larry Payton, Ray Hale, Paul McEwen and Russ Carew. Thanks also to the TUKTAWA Foundation and the Suttons Bay-Bingham Fund for providing financial assistance for this project.  --Capt. Tom

Whaleboat "Lake Sturgeon" at Leland Parade

Lake Sturgeon cruises down Main Street in Leland during the 4th of July Parade

Thanks to Russ Carew for use of his truck.

Chuck Dickerson pulled the raffle canoe

 

Thanks to all those who helped with the whaleboat project and on this day in Leland.  --Capt. Tom

ISEA's Motor Whaleboat "Lake Sturgeon" in the Leland 4th of July Parade

Please join us on July 4th in Leland for the annual parade.  We will be there with our motor whaleboat Lake Sturgeon.

Motor Whaleboat Lake Sturgeon

Fact Sheet

Type:  Navy 26’ Motor Whaleboat

Year Built:  1968

Builder:  Miami Yacht Builders, Miami Beach, FL

Material: Fiberglass (FRP)

Hull No.:  26MW6843

Registration: MC 2362 PF

LOA: 26’    Beam: 8’     Draft: 1’

Displacement: 5,600 lbs

Engine: Yanmar 3-cylinder diesel, Model 3GM30F, 24 hp.  (original engine: Westerbeke 4-107)

Owner:  Inland Seas Education Association, Suttons Bay, MI

Service:  Passenger, USCG Sub-Chapter T (pending)

Former Name:  Water Bug

ISEA will be offering 1 hour programs aboard Lake Sturgeon later in July. 

Re-Fit of ISEA's Motor Whaleboat Nearing Completion

Work continues on ISEA's ex-Navy motor whaleboat Lake Sturgeon. We are installing the new oak rub rails this week.  The rails were built for us by George Powell and Bruce Lehmann at their shop in Suttons Bay.  We still have a lot to do before our final US Coast Guard inspection, so if you would like to help contact Tom Kelly or Chuck Dickerson at 231-271-3077. 

George, Bruce and Tony trial-fit the new rub rails

Installation today.  Ben Clark, new ISEA Intern, is assisting Bruce and Chuck Dickerson.

Ben, Chuck and Jerry Battle. 

------Tom K.

Save The Sturgeon - ISEA's Great Lakes Seminar Tonight

Come join us this evening to hear Marty Holtgren, the Senior Inland Fisheries Biologist with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, speak about the research being done on sturgeon and the stewardship plan that will protect them. A screening of a short documentary will precede Marty's presentation.

You can also check out the five little sturgeon we have in our large aquarium at the Education Center.

This seminar is free and open to the public. The program is at 7pm at the Inland Seas Education Center, Suttons Bay.  Call 231-271-3077 for more information.