Johnston Brothers of Ferrysburg, MI, built Urger in 1901. The boat below–Ronald J. Dahlke, was built two years later as Bonita. A few days ago, the two boats passed each other in Lyons . . . or to be more accurate, we passed the ex-Bonita.
I posted pics of this blue tug last year here . . . scroll through. Unconfirmed report is that the boat is about to enter a new chapter in its life, after being the tool of someone with truth issues, as explained in the story here.
What I find even more remarkable is that an even older Johnston Brothers boat–Sea Bird–is still active. Anyone know others?
2 comments
Comments feed for this article
September 30, 2014 at 6:26 pm
tugboathunter
the Ottawa (1914) is still active (although not in commercial use) in Michigan out of Cheboygan. Served as a ferry and then as a tug. http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/images-07-1/OTTAWAb20021707mn.jpg
November 12, 2017 at 4:24 am
John Clutter
1912 Johnston Bros hull #52 Official #211065 constructed at Ferrysburg, MI. Knocked down and shipped to Portland and constructed as the Steam powered fireboat DAVID CAMPELL. Renamed CHEIF In 1926, Redesigned as a sail/ diesel power schooner ALEIUTIAN NATIVE 1929, Oil Tanker 1935 and renamed EXPRESS in 1939 active in the battle of the Aleutians. Now the ALEUTIAN EXPRESS (2016). One of the first and oldest Bering Sea crabbers and still active commercially.