Scott Market made a Solomonic decision about one of his four
vessels that serve vacation islands in Lake Erie. The principal
of Miller Boat Line , Put-in-Bay, Ohio, wanted to increase
capacity in a cost effective way. So he cut a boat in two.
He's adding a 40' steel midbody extension to the
passenger/vehicle ferry Put-in-Bay , which originally measured
96'x38'x7'. The work being done at Great Lakes Shipyard , a
division of the Great Lakes Group , Cleveland, will enable the
ferry to carry eight additional full-size cars or 100 more
passengers.
The Put-in-Bay , built for Miller in 1997 by Bay
Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, Wis., had its bow cut off in
early December in preparation for the new module. The
lengthened vessel will be back in service in time for the new
operating season in March. Market will decide whether to
stretch any of the three remaining 96' ferries in the fleet
after seeing how well the Put-in-Bay operates.
As for last year, "We were very fortunate. Our market was
pretty good. We expected much worse," Market said. He'd be
happy if 2010 were as good.
He figures the midbody project costs about 20-22 percent
less than building new. Market is adding new Caterpillar
C18 electronically controlled EPA Tier 2 engines rated at 725
hp each, to replace the Caterpillar 3412s that put out a total
of 1,300 hp. This will give the boat more maneuvering power,
better fuel economy and produce less pollution. New Duramax
keel coolers will complement the engines. "We are also phasing
in a 10 to 20 percent biodiesel which in turn lessens our
carbon footprint," he said.
"This is the first midbody section we've installed on a
vessel," said Great Lakes Shipyard president Joseph Starck.
"It's something new and different, which makes it fun."
The sliced area was clear of obstructions. "There's no tanks
in the way, just some piping for the bilge area and electrical
for lighting. We're not in the engine compartment," he said.
"Everything is pre-lofted. There's very little wastage.
"The job is really perfect for us. It's right up our alley,"
Starck said. It's also a good opportunity for the yard. "Now we
can provide drydocking for their whole fleet. It allows us to
expand our business a little bit and take care of a good
neighbor."
- D.K. DuPont