Plans for the Algosoo & Algoma Navigator

[guesty]

From a preservation standpoint, I think one of the greatest losses in recent years was the scrapping of the railroad ferry Lansdowne's engines. At least one was still present on the ferry when it was scrapped. Huge, low-pressure single cylinder engines. Built 1873 with a 50 inch bore and a 108 inch (or 9 foot) stroke.

http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs ... -08-tn.jpg

Similar engines do survive in some preserved riverboats, but they are much newer engines.

[Denny]

Although I am not one that is as detailed into the engine stuff like many of you are, what about other missed opportunities as far as repowers are concerned? Granted I know they were steam engines but what about the Saginaw and Michipicoten when both of them got repowered at Sarnia years ago? Again, please excuse me as I not into the engine stuff like many of you are! Also, many years ago I thought I read that the Comeaudoc had her engine taken out and was once thought to be a replacement for someone but, it did not come to be at that time at least.

[Guest]

Don't forget the Cuyahoga's Lentz steam engine that was scrapped 15 years ago when she was repowered with a Cat.

Another missed opportunity.

[Guest]

Seeing as the Navigator is running the last Doxford in existence in the world..., is there any value to the engine maybe from a museum standpoint.

Sorry, But I doubt "the last Doxford" will be saved. The Doxfords from the Benson Ford (1) & that from the Henry Ford II (Samuel Mather) weren't kept. The E.M. Fords Quad wasn't saved, neither were the Unaflows from the Challenger or James Norris. Saving Marine-Engineering History occupies a very low priority in the US & Canada.

[Middle rouge]

I believe the last Doxford built was installed in the Upper Lakes vessel Canadian Pioneer , she was launched at Port Weller in 1981 , she has since left the lakes , I sailed on the Algosoo In the early 80's , her engine room was immaculate and truly cared for by her Engineering staff , when she ls finally done her work will mark the end of all the vessels I sailed on during my brief seafaring career , I guess I'm getting old !

Pioneer arrived at her final port of call in fall of 2014.

[Bruce County]

I believe the last Doxford built was installed in the Upper Lakes vessel Canadian Pioneer , she was launched at Port Weller in 1981 , she has since left the lakes , I sailed on the Algosoo In the early 80's , her engine room was immaculate and truly cared for by her Engineering staff , when she ls finally done her work will mark the end of all the vessels I sailed on during my brief seafaring career , I guess I'm getting old !

[Duluth Guest]

Seeing as the Navigator is running the last Doxford in existence in the world, as I understand it, is there any value to the engine maybe from a museum standpoint or idoes it have more of a negative impact to her future due to parts availability. I can hear that engine chugging inside my house when she visits Duluth.

[algowest]

Ships have certificates issued by Transport Canada. This gives an owner a window of time in which the vessel can operate. However, business conditions and cargo requirements may cause an owner to either temporary, permanently lay-up, or scrap a vessel. This is why there's not a clear picture on how long a ship may sail.

From Transport Canada, Registered Vessels Website:

Navigator:
Certificate Expires 2017-05-31

Algosoo:
Certificate Expires 2017-05-31

Algoma Olympic:
Certificate Expires 2018-01-31

[Guest]

If my memory is correct, this is the 3rd year of her latest 5 year survey. I would imagine she stands a good chance of sailing through the conclusion of the 2017 sailing season, like Middle Rouge said.

[Odysseus]

So is it the last year for Algosoo, or is she running until 2018? And the Navigator: done, might not come out, or good to go for the next 4 or 5 years? Where is this information coming from and why are these reports so divergent?

[ebs]

Soo's last year

[Middle rouge]

Algosoo is scheduled to continue to sail until 2018, but algoma navigators days are numbered. She might not even sail this year.

[And]

The Navigator had some work done this summer and much inspection from Lloyds. Word I heard was it was to try and get 4 or 5 more years out of her, though many aboard were surprised they would keep her going that long. He is in very rough shape.

[PDBLK25]

I understand that the MV. Algoma Prosress is through (and docked at IMS), and the Algolake is getting new paint. Both appear to be in much better condition than the MVs. Algosoo & Algoma Navigator whose futures have been uncertain for at least the last 2 years. Does anyone know what Algoma plans for these last two. Neither have been talked about. Are they done, or will one or both come out for a final year?