Re: Tug Essayons

From: Franz
Location: Duluth
email: ZenithTugboat at aol
Remote Name: 152.163.100.8
Date: 07.31.06
Time: 01:31:20 AM

Comments

Randy, the 1908 ESSAYONS (not the Corps dredge of the same name mentioned by Kent below!) was a Corps of Engineers steam tug (which you know), later bought and run by Zenith Dredge. The engine was one of the first exhibits in the marine museum at canal park. She's looking pretty nice inside (a work in progress, going on for 12 years now). The tug is sitting at our dock (the same dock its always worked from pretty much, the old Zenith dock) but who knows how long the "conversion" will take. It's one of those things that just keeps going and going and going but never gets done. I cannot imagine the amount of money he's put into it. Just a hobby I guess and it makes a good clubhouse of place to crash if the wife kicks you out (that's what I'd use it for). The tug has not been out of the water in 50 years and I'm sure her bottom is scary looking! With the problem the Duluth harbor is having with the mystery deterioation of steel since the 80's, it makes me wonder if there's anything left of her below the water. I know there was some pretty heavy pitting and thin spots 40 years ago, I'm sure it hasn't gotten any better with age.