The Steamboating Forum

I concur -- all of the Great Lakes are very dangerous, and all have caused the foundering of many large vessels. Since I live a mile from Lake Superior, I focus on her more than the others, but I have sailed all of them many times (fewer times on L. Ontario).

Hello James- "Steam Queen" has a beam of approx 7ft. She also has 1100 lb of lead under her floorboards! When those million dollar plastic boats come over to see the "cute" little steamer and lay down a six ft wake "Steem Queen " tends to roll a little unless some manouvering is done! I fear those boats more than the ocean! I think the ocean is more predictable! I came upon this photo in BC Magazine of "Steam Queen" being built. Also as for horsepower -somewhere between 8 and 9.5 depending on which program you use. Enough -she'll cruise at 6.3 knots all day! [img]http://i279.photobucket.com/album ... .jpg[/img]

I've been traveling, and just got around to reading your post. The "Queen" has a shapely hull. I suppose the 1100 lbs of ballast is needed to adjust for the superstructure. It seems that that amount of ballast without the pilothouse might result in stiff rolling.

I know what you mean about the boat wakes -- they are steeper than most wind-driven waves, and can combine with other waves and swells to make for a treacherous sea.

How far offshore do you take "Steam Queen"?

I steam mostly between Vancouver Island and the mainland- the Gulf Islands[Can] and San Juan Islands [US side] Probably never more than 5-8 miles from land. But still it can blow up quick so one listens to the weather forcast and watches the sky for any helpful hints![/img]
This is the type of weather I prefer! I have a complete cover for sleeping on board and for steaming in crummy weather [the top is still on as it provides shade in the sun]

Great picture, Den! Yes, that is a fine sea with a fine boat. It's good to see members paired with their boats.

My! That's a nice business-like looking craft. By cricky, I likey!!! Lovely shot.

Den,

Steam queen has beautiful lines. Nice pic, what a backdrop to steam against!

-Ron

Ditto to the above -- beautiful boat (and very seaworthy looking)!