The Steamboating Forum

Went to the show on Saturday, only two steamers there, the Sabino (a paying passenger tour boat) and the Margaret S. sidewheeler. They put the Margaret S. into the water with a big fork lift and sling boom.

Steve Weaver and his wife were there, (on an antique sailboat no less), a very nice crowd and plenty of fine woodwork to be seen. I understand Kelly Anderson won “Best of Show” with his steamboat “Reciproca” at this show last year.

A large steam tug compound engine at Mystic Seaport. Plenty of nice brass/bronze fittings, but prices were up there. Cannons too!

Fred was a gracious host, giving us a tour of the harbor with Margaret S. I never cease to be amazed at the attraction of steam. That spurs me on to quit playing hooky at rallies and messing about with boats to get back to welding ...

Fred and Margaret S at Mystic. An interesting shot with the partially re-launched Charles W. Morgan in the drydock beyond us. (They dropped her in eight feet in order to swell the new planking.)

Caught! There's just something about marine hardware ...

Fred graciously ferried Miss Ann and myself and Mr. Jim Miller, the curator of the show (behind Fred's massive Lukenheimer), around Mystic harbor. Having Mr. Miller captive in the boat, we fervently worked on converting him to all things steam ... SS Sabino in the background.