Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Blough and the old Red Wing. Loved the pilot house on the Wing.

The USCGC Acacia.

1) Ryerson
2) Blough
3) Stewart Cort

All time: John T. Hutchinson
Current: John G. Munson, Challenger, EM Ford (although she will soon be a memory)

Mine is the Saginaw. Reminds me of the Detroit Edison.

Alpena, last example of the ships when they looked good.

The Alpena

alpena

Being new to the area and not all that keen on the subject, I'd cast my hat in for the SS Meteor - I'm fascinated by the whaleback design and the fact she served so long.

As for an operational ship, I'd probably say the Cort, she's all modernized but still retains the classic laker design.

First I have to say that I'm a big fan of any ship with a pointy bow and the pilot house forward! It's hard for me to choose favorites, but I think I'd have to say St. Mary's Challenger. Amazing that the beautiful old girl is still out there doin' her thing.

I also have a serious "thing" for Paul Townsend, Alpena, J.A.W. Iglehart, Kaye Barker, Lee Tregurtha, etc. I think Badger is a pretty girl, too.

I'd also like to add that there's just something magical about a steam powered ship.when it passes by and all you hear is the hiss of steam and the lapping of water on the hull.

For my late father: the late Hamonic, on which he had his first lake job.

My favourite: English River, the ship that never seems to stop.

london was a good ship. was on her in 58 ray

loved the old dc everest and the imperial london.
had a bit of a thing for the wheat king.

My is the Steamer Edward L. Ryerson.

Without a doubt the prettiest T-2 tanker laker conversion to ever sail the lakes , S.S. Red Wing . She was my last oiler job before I moved ` up the hawser pipe ` to the Engineer ranks . Her wide sweeping wheelhouse and straight deck sheer made her quite an impressive sight when she came into a lock . Awesome !

Richard wrote:I forgot to add in my earlier post another one of my all-time
favorite lakers was Seaway Queen. In Oct. 1999 I was fortunate
enough to get aboard her thanks to the Capt. and her crew as we
were tied-up below Lock 1 waiting on the Algowood to come out.
We then sailed into Lock 1 where I got off of her. That was a
thrill and an experience I'll never forget. BTW, the Queen's Capt.
at that time said "he was youngest master on the lakes then!"
His nickname was "Jake the Snake!" Anyone remember him and
knows what he is doing today? Thanks for any replies & updates.

Capt. Jake Hoyles. He has been a pilot in newfoundland since 2001.
Canadian Ranger would be my most loved(Unloading grain in Quebec City) and most hated(unloading sugar in Toronto)

#1 EM ford
#2 S.T.Crapo
#3 Wolverine
#4 Joseph H. Frantz
#5 Edward L. Ryerson
#6 St Marys Challenger
#7 Alpena
#8 Agawa Canyon
#9 Sam Laud
#10 Canadian Ranger

Alpena!

Hey everyone thanks for your input i've tallied up all of your favorite ships and heres what i got top 5:
1.)Edward L. Ryerson with 14
2.)Wilfred Sykes with 9
2.) Charles M. Beehgley with 9
3.)Arthur M. Anderson with 8
4.)Lee A. Tregurtha with 6
4.)Roger Blough with 6
5.)Cliffs Victory with 5
5.)St. Marys Challenger with 5.

There was a total of 186+ Ships listed as favorites!

Any steamship of the old traditional ore carrier type with a straight deck, forward and aft islands. Tall thin stack two masts and a half round wheel house.
None of these are around so I will settle for the Medusa
Challenger.
Ron