Boatnerd Discussion Forum

mn brett wrote:I have been corrected a lot lately on My recant comments. the only knowledge I have is what I have read on Boatnerd since 2003. I really enjoy My daily visits on Boatnerd. I normally just go buy memory though, on what has been posted. You Guy;s sure do run a (tight SHIP!) or in this case (Tight BOAT??) I think? mn brett

MN Brett, it wasn't mean to be criticism Just a little fun thinking about how shipping company names would be changed. Enjoy your Boatnerd visits and the incredible amount of information you can learn from the site. Happy Boatnerding!

I have been corrected a lot lately on My recant comments. the only knowledge I have is what I have read on Boatnerd since 2003. I really enjoy My daily visits on Boatnerd. I normally just go buy memory though, on what has been posted. You Guy;s sure do run a (tight SHIP!) or in this case (Tight BOAT???) I think? mn brett

I sailed on @ 18 boats during the 50s/60s left in 1970 and they were all "coal burners" The times, they are a-change'n...

Guest 5464 wrote:

mn brett wrote: First lesson Great lakers are Boats, and Ocean Saltys are Ships. mn brett

Canadian Steamship Company would be known as Canadian Steamboat Company,

Sadly, it would need to be known as Canadian Dieselboat Company with the others following suit it the not too distant future.

- Don

mn brett wrote: First lesson Great lakers are Boats, and Ocean Saltys are Ships. mn brett

MN Brett, your comment got me to thinking. Imagine renaming the major Great Lakes shipping companies to fit that definition. American Steamship Company would become American Steamboat Company, Canadian Steamship Company would be known as Canadian Steamboat Company, and the long-standing Interlake Steamship Company would be called Interlake Steamboat Company. Sounds more like Mississippi River paddlewheelers -- from the last century. LOL!

I second mn brett and also would like to extend my warm wishes, regards and also welcome you to boatnerd. We are a great and a fun group almost like family here and have a great group of guys and volunteers here on the site that have kept it going for many years. You will have a great and fun time here and enjoy many of our comments and posts. As for your questions of locations for freighter watching, there are many good spots and vantage points. I have traveled mostly to the Soo and the Port Huron areas in my 23 years of boatnerding and boatwatching. As far as the Soo I say that the best spots are at Mission Point or Rotary Park for both the upbound and downbound traffic. Down near the Barbeau Area is the Rock Cut but, only downbounders can use this as it is narrow for two way traffic. The other side of Neebish Island is good for the upbound traffic. I am not too familiar with spots at the Soo as I don't make it up as often as I used to. The St. Clair River offers many good viewing spots. The Bluewater Bridge in Port Huron is a perfect spot as are Marysville, St. Clair and Marine City. Each town is right along the river with good views of the river and each one has its own parks and viewing spots. There are also many summer events that goes on as well so you want to be sure to check it out. Also, while in Port Huron be sure to check out the Maritime Center at Vantage Point for information and questions on ships passing the area. Freighter Frank Frisk is a good one to talk to as he is very knowledgeable on the ship traffic. Also, if you haven't gotten one yet I highly would recommend a Know Your Ships Book as well. Good Luck in your travels and hope that this information helps.

I guess it depends where you live and whether you can travel. Good places generally are where there is a lot of traffic (a relative term these days) and the waters are constricted so you can get fairly close to the boats.

In Minnesota, that's going to be Duluth (and Superior, Wis.) and Two Harbors. In Michigan, the Soo Locks and parts of the St. Marys River, Round Island Passage between Mackinac Island and Round Island, and places along the rivers, like Port Huron and Marine City.

On the lower lakes there are good places in Toledo, Cleveland and Buffalo and other spots.

If you mention specifically where you are located or where you want to go, I'm sure you'll get plenty of specific tips here on how to get to good places for viewing and photography.

Welcome to Boatnerds Guy44!. First lesson Great lakers are Boats, and Ocean Saltys are Ships. I'm from the Duluth area and there's tons of great spots! ,where are You from? mn brett

I'm new to ship watching. I was wondering where the best spots are for viewing the freighters? Is the port authority open to the public?