If I was to...

the one to contact

Capt. Bill Judd, who occasionally posts on here.

More power to you

And/or a whole host of people. Depends on the age, size, how long in moth balls, location, actually, just what boat you have in mind. If it is still floating and in one piece, you will have to have it re-documented and inspected and that will eventually involve the US Coast Guard. It will also eventually involve a shipyard somewhere, and they know exactly how much that stuff costs. (It should at least be floating and in one piece.) My weak brain has narrowed it down to just 2 boats to choose from.

I would strongly recommend going with an accredited marine surveyor or fly one in to the location of the vessel, they will be able to give you a comprehensive written report on the condition of the vessel, value, replacement cost, etc. If you wish I can provide you with some from the New York area, I've sent you a private message.

Mat, the aforementioned Bill Judd is an accredited marine surveryor, as are "numerous others" mentioned in other posts.

My Choices....

Agreed... Cap'n Bill Judd did the marine survey on the CLYDE. that duly impressed the insurance companies. A good marine surveyor familiar with riverboats are hard to find, but Bill is one of the best who really understands passenger-carrying riverboats.

Here's a great boat someone should buy, restore, and return to operation:

Casino Rock Island riverboat awaits a buyer in Chillicothe - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

I just wanted to add that, in my book, Bill Judd is the very best choice for marine surveys on sternwheelers; practically specializing in them. I know Bill has surveyed the Natchez, Belle of Cincinnati, my former boat (Barbara H), the Sewickley/Reed Lee, and many many others that I'm sure he could list.

Bob Ojala, out of Chicago, would be another good surveyor. He was a naval architect at Dubuque Boat & Boiler, and would be very familiar with the Julia Belle Swain (for example).

Neal Kapp;31200 wrote: Say a windfall landed in my lap or perhaps I influenced a consortium to purchase, restore & return to operations a fully functional steam powered paddlewheel.

Who would I need to contact for a full inspection, and evaluation to determine the current condition of the vessel? Is there that One River Rat that everyone swears buy and trusts, or Company that has the expertise to fully investigate, and accurately estimate restoration costs?

This is still in a pre-proposal phase so no vessel will be named, but something that is being seriously considered.

Your thoughts, Please advise

I would suggest contacting Hornblower Marine Services. They are extremely familiar with Western Rivers operation and also closely involved with the company that owns the American Queen.They have an excellent reputation and my unbridled respect. I speak fom the standpoint of one who worked on the rivers for 20 years aboard vessels of the DQSC and all of it's owners since 1988. In my opinion, what distinguishes Hornblower is their proven expertise in both commercial marine operations and river cruise management.

Bill Judd would be the right surveyor for an old boat he probably was there when they built they built the ARK and Chris Greene and other old boats.

A good one for a gloomy day!

Ouch, Bob! Capt. Bill must not be online to reply to your posting. Are you saying he uses cubits for measurements in his reports????

I am flattered by the previous posts, but I need to set the record straight.

Judy's right on the cubets, I also figure tonnage based on the English TUN or the wine cask of 225 gallons. It's really a quite simple and pleasant experience

Now as to Capt. Harrison's reference to the ARK, I was not there for the building, however was called in to assess the damage after Noah ran it aground on Mt. Ararat. Have fun gang!!

It was a dark and foggy night...

but your post just brightened it a lot!

Keith Tinnin;31213 wrote: In my opinion, what distinguishes Hornblower is their proven expertise in both commercial marine operations and river cruise management.

And a very cool President.