14/07/2011 6:19 pm
Not sure if you all have heard the news that the diesel sternwheeler JEAN MARY has sunk again in Florida. Was surprised to learn that Debbie Reynolds had bought the boat for a museum she is promoting in Pigeon Forge. A google search for "Debbie Reynolds Riverboat" will take you to the story.
Also found a link to a sternwheeler auction on eBay. As stated "a good project boat"
Aaron
14/07/2011 8:48 pm
Here is the link to the JEAN MARY story: Debbie Reynolds' Riverboat Sinks In St. Johns - Jacksonville News Story - WJXT Jacksonville
14/07/2011 8:56 pm
Aaron,
The word on the JEAN MARY is kinda confusing. The sinking was in 2008. She was raised and several brokers have tried to sell her for Miss Reynolds with no success. Apparently there was an insurance problem and the boat itself was part of an elaborate scheme for a museum for Miss Reynolds in Pigeon Forge, TN. From what I can find the whole idea has been abandoned and the boat is for sale to the highest bidder just to get rid of her.
There are a few sale ads I have found for the vessel. What a sad way for her to rot away down there in Florida! Kinda reminds me of the MISSISSIPPI QUEEN, as she seems to be looking worse in each progressive video.
Here we see a sale ad for the JEAN MARY after her most recent raising and restoration (2008) Riverboat Paddle Wheeler / Houseboat, Jack Hargrave, Debbie Reynolds - YouTube
Here is a attempt to sell her on e-bay in June that failed. Hargrave 87' Paddle Wheeler | eBay
This is the most current video sales ad for the JEAN MARY (note it was uploaded to youtube on the 9th of July this year...so we can assume it is very current). Notice her name has been removed. She is also in VERY rough shape with deck planking peeling and from the looks the interiors were left from the most recent sinking just as they were. She is also missing her twin boarding stages in this most recent video. Wonder where they ended up? Talk about a bargain waiting to happen! 1983 Sternwheeler 25' x 87' - YouTube
Like you, Aaron, I'd love to see this pretty little boat back on the rivers it NEEDS to be on and loved the way it should be. Something tells me if someone one showed up with a little bit of money they could get a lot of boat for it!
Back in the 1990's I made a number (over 2 hours) of player recordings for the Tangley Calliaphone on this boat for her then owner. So I remember the boat well. She sure is a looker and deserves a future somewhere.
Travis