Boat Longevity in Cold Fresh Water
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2015 1:02 pm
Many people consider the Great Lakes region the best area to hunt for older models of Boston Whaler boats that are still in excellent condition. The colder freshwater of the Great Lakes and the seasonal boating contribute to increased longevity for boats used there. But even the oldest Boston Whaler boat can only be about 55-years-old. That is only half the life span of what, until just a week ago, was the oldest freighter on the Great Lakes.
The freighter J. B. FORD was launched into service in 1903. She was finally declared too old to be of use and was sent to the scrap yard in Duluth on October 9, 2015, after 111-years of operation. She was actually navigating the Great Lakes under her own power until 1985 using her original steam reciprocating engine. Since then the FORD has still been afloat but not underway, serving as a dockside cement storage vessel or in layup. However, it is claimed her propulsion gear was in good condition and she could have gotten underway, if desired.
For more on the 111-career of the J. B. FORD see:
MLIVE.COM article
http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jbford.htm
We'll have to wait another 55-years to see a 111-year-old Boston Whaler.
The freighter J. B. FORD was launched into service in 1903. She was finally declared too old to be of use and was sent to the scrap yard in Duluth on October 9, 2015, after 111-years of operation. She was actually navigating the Great Lakes under her own power until 1985 using her original steam reciprocating engine. Since then the FORD has still been afloat but not underway, serving as a dockside cement storage vessel or in layup. However, it is claimed her propulsion gear was in good condition and she could have gotten underway, if desired.
For more on the 111-career of the J. B. FORD see:
MLIVE.COM article
http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/jbford.htm
We'll have to wait another 55-years to see a 111-year-old Boston Whaler.