SS Badger will be in dry dock for inspection and paint for one month and returned after that to Ludington. She is supposed to be inspected every five years but got approval on a one year extension in which has expired. Badger was towed because the boilers were shut for the season and probably winterized which required a tow. The repaint will be same color scheme.
I imagine by the time it would take to get her warm and ready for steam was longer than the time it took to tow it. I would even wonder if she had enough coal on board to make the trip
Richard Allison Was the S S Badger required to Stop burning Coal ? I saw a Story a year or 2 ago . Some one was upset that Coal ash was being Dumped or something like that . Did that change or Rules relaxed ? Nice ship , we had 2 Coal Ferries 70 years ago .
@ Mark Cant Email The SS Badger is still coal fired. The only one left on the Great Lakes. They have installed a containment system that holds the coal ashes for proper disposal when the vessel reaches port.
Thank you so much for posting this! My husband Ray Sheldon and I were on the Donald Sarter Tug on the stern. The trip was amazing crossing Lake Michigan thru the night. It was so fun to watch the video and see it from the air. What a beautiful video. I even saw myself out taking pics at 1:32. I probably have pics of you on shore! Looking forward to the return trip. For different perspectives of the entire trip (from the stern) I posted videos and pics on my own Facebook page, but also on our Mr. and Mrs. Captain's Adventures page.
I've been on this ship several times with my big truck. Plan on a crossing with the motorcycle(s).... maybe next year. After reading comments I was happy to see it isn't to be a five year LONG inspection and paint 😆.
Wonderful, historic ship. Such a pleasant and relaxing cruise! I have only sailed on her twice - the last occasion being this past October. Thanks for posting!
My late wife and I took the "City of Midland" ferry from Kewaunee in June of 1987. My lady friend and I are really looking forward to a trip on the "Badger" this summer.
My family got to visit the Badger and saw the two other ships in the docks in September! It was one of the most amazing experiences. It’s amazing to see how the crew managed to perfectly steer the ship into place!
I was fourteen years old when my father and I sail across the lake on her. Now I’m 72. I remember the day the day the car was loaded on the ship and then rail car were also loaded. The the huge rear gate was lowered over the rear ended.
A 5 yearly inspection is quite generous. The paddle steamer Waverley 74 years old on the River Clyde has to go into dry dock every year costing a lot of money for the charity who runs her.
I trust the Badger is in Sturgeon Bay for a "five-yearly"inspection and paint (an event which occurs every five years) rather than a "five year"inspection and paint (an event which would take five years to complete)!
Are those other ships going into drydock too? She does need a bit of shining up. Do you know how they move into drydock if water freezes up or how they work and paint in nasty cold winter? Any coverage of the refit? Missed my annual cruise on the ship I Love cause of this stupid covid scam going on 2 years now. Maybe next year I can go on her like a normal person.
@@jefffrayer8238 currently only the badger is scheduled for dry dock, she will be going in on nov 15 for only about a month, then back to Ludginton, the other ships there are the new build, Mark W. Barker, she was just launched 2 weeks ago, and will continue to be fitted out over the winter, and their are 2 other lake carriers there, the Roger Blough, she suffered a fire last winter while under winter layup, repairs. Unknown if she will return to service, she has an estimated 20 million in damages. The other one is the Cason J Callaway, she is currently excess capacity for her owners, and in need of some major steel work, so she sits idle for now. Not sure what the shipping companies have scheduled for Bay Ship this winter, either repairs or winter storage.
I am from an Interlake Steamship family. I only see their ownership as a subsidized business. I am also awaiting Cleveland-Cliffs Building their vertical monopoly. Will interlake survive on its own? The CC president is a very good hot roll.
@@larselder874 my dad was fleet chief at Interlake from the 1940’s to 1961. Both my two brothers engineers back in the 50’s and 60’s. I can’t remember we’re still sailing in the 70’. After he left Interlake went to work for ABS and after retiring at 62 did work for Loyds as an independent contractor. That family history keeps me interested in what Interlake does. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for them.
@@johnmanthey6034 thanks John. I did meet you and your brothers at my dad’s funeral + one of you years earlier in Avon, Ohio. The Grace was my dad’s favorite. We are from Lorain.
Just one ferry - the Badger. And it will be returned to service following this routine inspection - which occurs every 5 years. All such commercial vessels undergo this. The season is over for the SS Badger. It doesn’t run during the winter. It will start up next spring.
It is apparently more economical to tow it, that to employ an engine room and bridge crew to move it under its own power. Plus the cost of the coal. Also, the boilers have been turned off for the season and winterized. It’s most likely just cheaper to go the tugboat route.
Hey We are thankful She's still steam (We loved her Sister ❤ "CITY OF MIDE N.....ENJOY HER WHILE WE CAN .....WE HAD THE PRINCESS MARGARET UP IN SEATTLE....A BEAUTIFUL STEAMER OF ABOUT 400 FEET OR SO , management thought they could get a cheaper diesel ship,, ridership fell sadly off.......So sir the rest of us understood your comments......Thank you God not all management are like what his comments are applying 🙏 8...... keep the steam up ...Dont attack everyone comments......we understand that that other guy cares ❤ too.........let's all.....just Team up and be together ❤ 💪 and ride Our "Gorgeous 😍 lady ....."SS BADGER".....it be cool if they paint her a two tone yellow green and Black etc to make her stand out in fog and Bad Weather.......it be neat If she is part of the coast guard on great lakes just to help out on her maintenance and When she's running.....It be cool if they take the Callope that was on the Mississippi Queen steam paddlewheel .and put it on the upper deck of our Lady badger and plays just before leaving and arriving Port........God save our Queen.........
Every 5 years, the coast guard requires a full out of water inspection, she will receive this while in dry dock, along with a sandblasting and painting of the hull, returning to Ludington MI in roughly 1 month
I am assuming a 5 year inspection is one done every 5 years and not that the inspection will take 5 years. I also wonder why they towed it instead of crossing on her own power.
She is in fact a steamer. The last coal fired vessel on the Great Lakes. Powered by 2 Skinner Uniflow steam engines. But if she were diesel powered - she would be a “MV” (motor vessel), not “MS”.
so badger going into layup for 5 years for only inspection and paint? Badger is a working boat. If she never leaves the dock again to go back into service, she will only deteriorate and eventually become a wreck and eyesore. As a coal fired commercial ferry boat, she has to have her power plant and systems seriously updated and the vessel brought up to current standards plus the refurbishments necessary to provide satisfactory service to the customer base. She is to big and expensive to be a hobby boat. She has to earn her keep. Retirement is death.
She is not going to be out of service for 5 years. This is an inspection that has to happen every 5 years. According to prior poster it will be about 1 month long.
@ American Rambler Reading is fundamental. The Badger is undergoing the required inspection that has to take place every 5 years. While in dry dock - it will also get a new paint job. This is a common occurrence in commercial vessels.
@@danielmcneil6342 I was puzzled why the repair work was stated as needing 5 years to accomplish. I did understand that she had received a 1 year extension on her certification which had now expired. The month or so maintenance and painting period makes much more sense. What I did not hear was if she was going to still be a coal fired steamer or converted to oil burning.
@ American Rambler Nowhere was it stated or even suggested any repair work was being done. It is a simple mandatory inspection carried out every 5 years to determine if the vessel is sound. Commonly referred to as a “5 year inspection”. Following the inspection there might be some repairs if the inspection uncovers a problem. The. The vessel will be painted - typically done at the time of the inspection as the boat is already out of the water. At no point has anyone suggested the vessel is to have a change in the fuel type. It is unnecessary to do so - and not required by any regulatory body.
@@americanrambler4972 the Badgers engines have been designated a national historic engineering landmark due to being the last skinner uniflows around. So I think with that it means she won’t ever be repowered. Now if Interlake ever wanted to bring the Spartan back in service (which is highly questionable) the Spartan would be repowered due to the fact that LMC has taken the parts to keep the Badger running over the years
Such a beautiful ship - last of her breed. I've probably crossed on her 20 times. May she sail forever +++
SS Badger will be in dry dock for inspection and paint for one month and returned after that to Ludington. She is supposed to be inspected every five years but got approval on a one year extension in which has expired. Badger was towed because the boilers were shut for the season and probably winterized which required a tow. The repaint will be same color scheme.
I imagine by the time it would take to get her warm and ready for steam was longer than the time it took to tow it. I would even wonder if she had enough coal on board to make the trip
@ Capt. Beak
It’s an issue of crew costs, not coal.
Richard Allison Was the S S Badger required to Stop burning Coal ? I saw a Story a year or 2 ago . Some one was upset that Coal ash was being Dumped or something like that . Did that change or Rules relaxed ? Nice ship , we had 2 Coal Ferries 70 years ago .
@ Mark Cant Email
The SS Badger is still coal fired. The only one left on the Great Lakes.
They have installed a containment system that holds the coal ashes for proper disposal when the vessel reaches port.
@@danielmcneil6342 Thanks Dan that is the Info I was looking for .
I was near the dock one day several years ago when the Badger was backing into the dock. Still remember her being magnificent at her age.
Thank you so much for posting this! My husband Ray Sheldon and I were on the Donald Sarter Tug on the stern. The trip was amazing crossing Lake Michigan thru the night. It was so fun to watch the video and see it from the air. What a beautiful video. I even saw myself out taking pics at 1:32. I probably have pics of you on shore!
Looking forward to the return trip. For different perspectives of the entire trip (from the stern) I posted videos and pics on my own Facebook page, but also on our Mr. and Mrs. Captain's Adventures page.
Peggy is that you up high in front of the wheel house, or down front on main deck?
I've been on this ship several times with my big truck. Plan on a crossing with the motorcycle(s).... maybe next year.
After reading comments I was happy to see it isn't to be a five year LONG inspection and paint 😆.
Wonderful, historic ship. Such a pleasant and relaxing cruise! I have only sailed on her twice - the last occasion being this past October. Thanks for posting!
My late wife and I took the "City of Midland" ferry from Kewaunee in June of 1987. My lady friend and I are really looking forward to a trip on the "Badger" this summer.
The Badger is a great way to avoid Chicago if traveling to/from Wisconsin. As the drivers I enjoy the 4 hour break sitting on the deck.
I have been aboard the Badger a few times. The journey is better than the destination.
My family got to visit the Badger and saw the two other ships in the docks in September! It was one of the most amazing experiences. It’s amazing to see how the crew managed to perfectly steer the ship into place!
I was fourteen years old when my father and I sail across the lake on her. Now I’m 72. I remember the day the day the car was loaded on the ship and then rail car were also loaded. The the huge rear gate was lowered over the rear ended.
Kevin -
Those are practical reasons for towing a vessel to its winter lay-up , thank you.
CK
It's not being towed to winter layup. It's being towed to the shipyard for inspection and a paint job.
Rode the Badger from Ludington to I think it was Kewanee on a trip home from Windsor around 73 I think. Always wanted to head back.
Great video. Thank you for sharing it with us.
A 5 yearly inspection is quite generous. The paddle steamer Waverley 74 years old on the River Clyde has to go into dry dock every year costing a lot of money for the charity who runs her.
@ Jim McIntosh
I’m curious - what material is that paddle steamers made of?
Great Pictures and Video!!! I missed it, have been in Muskegon this week.
I trust the Badger is in Sturgeon Bay for a "five-yearly"inspection and paint (an event which occurs every five years) rather than a "five year"inspection and paint (an event which would take five years to complete)!
@Steven Van Niman Read what Paul Bowler says. It is correct. She is not there for five years. Just a month.
@Steven Van Niman What's your problem? What he said makes perfect sense to everyone except you. You must be grammatically challenged.
@Steven Van Niman You must be a liberal if that makes no sense to you.
No it's called a five year inspection. Not sure where you get five yearly from. It takes place every five years thus the name five year inspection.
@@petergibbs you read what he said. It's not a five yearly inspection and still not sure who you are talking to.
5 year inspection and paint?? wow!
The inspection takes place every five years. It doesn't take five years to do.
Back to her place of build, 68 years later……
Are those other ships going into drydock too? She does need a bit of shining up. Do you know how they move into drydock if water freezes up or how they work and paint in nasty cold winter? Any coverage of the refit? Missed my annual cruise on the ship I Love cause of this stupid covid scam going on 2 years now. Maybe next year I can go on her like a normal person.
@@jefffrayer8238 currently only the badger is scheduled for dry dock, she will be going in on nov 15 for only about a month, then back to Ludginton, the other ships there are the new build, Mark W. Barker, she was just launched 2 weeks ago, and will continue to be fitted out over the winter, and their are 2 other lake carriers there, the Roger Blough, she suffered a fire last winter while under winter layup, repairs. Unknown if she will return to service, she has an estimated 20 million in damages. The other one is the Cason J Callaway, she is currently excess capacity for her owners, and in need of some major steel work, so she sits idle for now. Not sure what the shipping companies have scheduled for Bay Ship this winter, either repairs or winter storage.
@@jefffrayer8238 i watched them paint ships in milwaukee all winter except for the real bad weather
Seeing how Interlake Steamship owns her I wonder if she’ll be painted Interlake red with the orange band on her stack.
Mark Barker was interviewed here in Ludington, Badger will remain in her LMC colors as they are now. Special epoxy for the underwater hull.
Nah, people here in ludington would never go for changing the badgers coloring. plus its listed as historical.
I am from an Interlake Steamship family. I only see their ownership as a subsidized business. I am also awaiting Cleveland-Cliffs Building their vertical monopoly. Will interlake survive on its own? The CC president is a very good hot roll.
@@larselder874 my dad was fleet chief at Interlake from the 1940’s to 1961. Both my two brothers engineers back in the 50’s and 60’s. I can’t remember we’re still sailing in the 70’. After he left Interlake went to work for ABS and after retiring at 62 did work for Loyds as an independent contractor. That family history keeps me interested in what Interlake does. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for them.
@@johnmanthey6034 thanks John. I did meet you and your brothers at my dad’s funeral + one of you years earlier in Avon, Ohio. The Grace was my dad’s favorite. We are from Lorain.
Great vlog! What will happen to these two great ferries?
Just one ferry - the Badger. And it will be returned to service following this routine inspection - which occurs every 5 years. All such commercial vessels undergo this.
The season is over for the SS Badger. It doesn’t run during the winter. It will start up next spring.
I too am curious as to why Badger was towed from Ludington.
It is apparently more economical to tow it, that to employ an engine room and bridge crew to move it under its own power. Plus the cost of the coal. Also, the boilers have been turned off for the season and winterized.
It’s most likely just cheaper to go the tugboat route.
You wouldn't build a head of steam from coal for I crossing.
How high is it from the gun whale/top deck, where the passengers stand to the waterline
Hey We are thankful She's still steam (We loved her Sister ❤ "CITY OF MIDE N.....ENJOY HER WHILE WE CAN .....WE HAD THE PRINCESS MARGARET UP IN SEATTLE....A BEAUTIFUL STEAMER OF ABOUT 400 FEET OR SO , management thought they could get a cheaper diesel ship,, ridership fell sadly off.......So sir the rest of us understood your comments......Thank you God not all management are like what his comments are applying 🙏 8...... keep the steam up ...Dont attack everyone comments......we understand that that other guy cares ❤ too.........let's all.....just Team up and be together ❤ 💪 and ride Our "Gorgeous 😍 lady ....."SS BADGER".....it be cool if they paint her a two tone yellow green and Black etc to make her stand out in fog and Bad Weather.......it be neat If she is part of the coast guard on great lakes just to help out on her maintenance and When she's running.....It be cool if they take the Callope that was on the Mississippi Queen steam paddlewheel .and put it on the upper deck of our Lady badger and plays just before leaving and arriving Port........God save our Queen.........
Wow. Someone needs some more schooling.
What ever happen to the Milwaukie Clipper?
Nice vid,
Lee
Currently a museum and slowly being restored to her former glory in Muskegon
@@andrewachterhof2062 Thanks
What is reason for tow? Couldn't they sail it to Sturgeon Bay?
Crew is probably done for the season.
It would cost more to reheat the boilers and crew her for a short trip than it's worth.
5 years?
Every 5 years, the coast guard requires a full out of water inspection, she will receive this while in dry dock, along with a sandblasting and painting of the hull, returning to Ludington MI in roughly 1 month
I am assuming a 5 year inspection is one done every 5 years and not that the inspection will take 5 years. I also wonder why they towed it instead of crossing on her own power.
I’m guessing that the crew is off for the winter and much of her machinery has been winterized.
Do they have a dry dock in Sturgeon Bay?
@ Jleed989
They better hope so.
You can see the dock on the left side of the harbor she is towed in.
Why was the Badger towed to Sturgeon Bay?
@ George H. Reed Jr.
There are only 65 comments right now. Your question has been answered at least 3 times.
Is she a steamer? If not she is MS Badger
She is in fact a steamer. The last coal fired vessel on the Great Lakes. Powered by 2 Skinner Uniflow steam engines.
But if she were diesel powered - she would be a “MV” (motor vessel), not “MS”.
@@danielmcneil6342 Thanks and thanks for the correct abbreviation.
Yes she is steam powered.
May want to check out that oil leak.
That’s not an oil leak, that’s the bottom being stirred up.
beena long time since I was on her
so badger going into layup for 5 years for only inspection and paint? Badger is a working boat. If she never leaves the dock again to go back into service, she will only deteriorate and eventually become a wreck and eyesore. As a coal fired commercial ferry boat, she has to have her power plant and systems seriously updated and the vessel brought up to current standards plus the refurbishments necessary to provide satisfactory service to the customer base.
She is to big and expensive to be a hobby boat. She has to earn her keep. Retirement is death.
She is not going to be out of service for 5 years. This is an inspection that has to happen every 5 years. According to prior poster it will be about 1 month long.
@ American Rambler
Reading is fundamental. The Badger is undergoing the required inspection that has to take place every 5 years. While in dry dock - it will also get a new paint job. This is a common occurrence in commercial vessels.
@@danielmcneil6342 I was puzzled why the repair work was stated as needing 5 years to accomplish. I did understand that she had received a 1 year extension on her certification which had now expired. The month or so maintenance and painting period makes much more sense.
What I did not hear was if she was going to still be a coal fired steamer or converted to oil burning.
@ American Rambler
Nowhere was it stated or even suggested any repair work was being done. It is a simple mandatory inspection carried out every 5 years to determine if the vessel is sound. Commonly referred to as a “5 year inspection”.
Following the inspection there might be some repairs if the inspection uncovers a problem. The. The vessel will be painted - typically done at the time of the inspection as the boat is already out of the water.
At no point has anyone suggested the vessel is to have a change in the fuel type. It is unnecessary to do so - and not required by any regulatory body.
@@americanrambler4972 the Badgers engines have been designated a national historic engineering landmark due to being the last skinner uniflows around. So I think with that it means she won’t ever be repowered. Now if Interlake ever wanted to bring the Spartan back in service (which is highly questionable) the Spartan would be repowered due to the fact that LMC has taken the parts to keep the Badger running over the years
Hopefully they convert it from coal fired to LPG or heavy diesel fuel
@ Phillip Garrow
Why?
She's had $2 million dollars in upgrades to keep the U.S. EPA happy.
In addition to being a working ferry, she's also a national historic landmark. The coal-fired steam engines are part of its historic value.