The Steamboating Forum

Hello All,

My name is Alex and I live in Rhode Island. I have been an armchair steamboater for many years and have been lurking in the forum for some time. I

I have been on the water my entire life sailing and fishing in Narragansett Bay. My interests in boats has mainly been with wooden boat restoration. I recently sold my racing sloop and my wife and I purchased San Joaquin in California. After a few stressful days, the boat arried in Rhode Island where we launched her in time to watch the July 4 fireworks, set off from the beach in our town.

San Joaquin was built by her previous owner. The boiler is a Roberts style 60 sq ft and the engine a 1905-1910 "A" frame style Davis and Son compound. The boat is a work of art, but after 30 years of use it is time for maintenance and inspection. I currently have the boat on the hard and apart for just that until next spring.

I look forward to chatting with all of you. The knowledge here is invaluable.

Regards,

Alex

Welcome Alex, no need to lurk, all are welcome, especially with pictures of their activities.

She's a beautiful boat. Glad to hear she has gone to good hands. Welcome to the group.

Ken

Alex,

Welcome to the forum!

I know the San Joaquin and Alan Amerian quite well and have ridden on her every year Alan has brought her to the B&W steamboat meet. She is a beautiful launch and will serve you well. I am sad to see Alan sell his boat, but glad to see someone new joining the ranks. Please treat her well.

I made a video of her last year that can be found on YouTube...

Wes

Hello and welcome. Could you consider attending Lees Mills, the biggest USA Steamboat Meet in September? Even without the boat you can have a great time, and get lots of technical experience, as well as parts at this meet.

Wes, thank you for the video, I have watched it many times and it helped me make the decision to purchase the boat. Alan had kind words for you and I am sorry she is 3k miles away. Perhaps you will visit the east coast someday.

I will be attending Lee's Mills on the 7th. I will not be able to bring the boat, I need a bigger truck haha. Next year.

Alex

Alex,

I have lusted after Alan's boat since I was 10. I'm glad she is in good hands. My bucket list has attending some of the East Coast meets near the top. Hopefully I'll be out there one of these days...

If you do attend the Lees Mills meet, there's another boat that has occasionally shown up (still?) named the "Santa Cruz II". She was built by Bud Leutza and has the same hull as the San Joaquin, with a 3&5x4" Steeple compound built by Bud and Gerry Blain. Another beautifully finished launch from the left coast. It would sure be neat to see those two launches steaming together once again.