Viking

[Coalburner]

As far as the Viking's generators and propulsion motors are concerned, any DC system that goes unused for a length of time will probably absorb moisture and produce ground faults. They can easily be dried out by passing lower voltage current through the windings to heat them for a while. I had a radically different idea using the AC generators (V12 Cat's I think) with a modern Variable Frequency drive (VFD) and 2 new AC motors into a 2 in, 1 out gearbox.
I think one of the EMD's would be a tight fit in that engine room.
If the AC genny's are 208 3 phase, they would need to be rewired to 460 3 phase. VFD's can be set up to operate on a signal -10 volts - 0 - +10 volts control giving full astern to stop to full ahead speed control.

[Chief]

With a repower maybe, but at her current 1000 HP, I wouldn't be too comfortable with that set up. A repeat of the Wiltranco, too small a tug and you get into trouble. I don't think there would be room in the engineroom for more then one engine from the Viking but then again they did it with the Roger Stahl. Depends how much money someone wants to throw at her. What is the condition of the engines in Viking? I was aboard her in I think 1995 in Sturgeon Bay when they did some sea trials and there the concern was the main generators. I would assume that atleast a top overhaul would be in order. then the question remains as to keep the Sno diesel electric or make her twin screw like the Stahl. For what it would cost to do all this work on the Sno I assume you could find a better tug for the same or less money. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

[Coalburner]

Not so sure about the Sno being too small.
I did a comparison between the Sno/Viking and Undaunted/PM41 and if the Sno was repowered with propulsion from the Viking, it might be a fit. Pilot house mods of course.

[Chief]

The Sno is too small to push something the size of the Viking.

[Coalburner]

Could it be possible that they would use the Snohomish to push her?

[Guest]

Supposedly like the PM 41.

[bob]

Any idea what type of barge, Maybe some something to be pushed like the PM41/ Undaunted or Just a deck barge

[Pete in Holland MI]

It is true. Just talked with a rep from the owners.

Being converted to a barge. Just couldn't find a good use for it as she sits.

[LCNerd]

If true-it's sad. She's the last of the Ann Arbor fleet to survive.

[Chief]

Any idea what the plan is? Are they going to scrap her completely or cut her down to a deck barge? Heard initially they bought her to haul pulp wood with.

[MilwBob]

Cutting has begun on the former Ann Arbor carferry Viking in Menominee. The aft pilot house has been removed along with the Seagate and a portion of the upper deck has been cut away,