22/02/2009 9:20 pm
COPY CAT, the rest of the story. I knew that some where I had notes on the boat,but it has taken this long to go through "Judds Junk" to find them.
Built 1969, hull size 65 x 24 x 4, 106' overall. Powered by two (2) Cat 333C diesels of 190 h.p. each, hooked to hydraulic pumps, driving double ended Cat hydraulic cylinders to to pitman arms through crossheads.
Boat was built for John Fabick, Jr. of the Fabick Tractor Co. of St. Louis. Fabick Tractor ( now Fabick Cat, Inc.) is the oldest CAT dealer in the U.S. Mr. Fabick also served on the Board of Directors of Caterpillar.
The boat was snow white, trimmed all out in bright CAT yellow. The boat had an enclosed second cabin with the pilothouse set atop (not pool style) and was notoriously top heavy and really heeled over on a hard turn. ( personal visual observation)
I was on board at St. Louis in 1970 or 71. The lower deck salon was all victorian decor with a huge built in bar area and a food prep area aft. Dining for 70 plus. The second deck cabin had a very plush lounge and several very fancy staterooms. Fabick used the boat for customer entertaing at St. Louis and CAT used her the same at Peoria.
COPY CAT went to Washington,D.C. in 1970, leased to the Wilson Line. Then sold in 1973 to World Yacht Charters and operated in the New York harbor. In 1978 sold to John Rego, Pres. of the Rego Trust Bank of Bermuda, renamed the MARK TWAIN and ran in the Hamilton harbor, Bermuda. That's all I know, the last 30 years is anybodys guess.
22/02/2009 9:33 pm
Steve,
Here are three newspaper clippings from the Dubuque Telegraph Herald when the TALISMAN was being completed at DBBCo and on her way to Lincoln's New Salem State Park on the Sangamon.
22/02/2009 9:36 pm
And one other view for those interested in Dubuque-built excursion boats: a shot I snapped at the Ice Harbor, the photo dated June 1962. Who is she?
22/02/2009 9:47 pm
Incidentally,
If you ever have the opportunity to visit with Neal Conklin, former pilot/engineer on the JULIA BELLE SWAIN and more recently on the TWILIGHT, he has some very interesting stories that Capt. Dennis Trone told him about the TALISMAN's maiden trip up the Sangamon. I don't remember all the details, but one that I do recall is that enroute to New Salem they knocked off the stacks and the rudders as well!
22/02/2009 11:10 pm
Dave,
Thanks for sharing these, very interesting!
That 1962 boat looks just like the TALISMAN, except it did not come along until 1967. The aft windows are a bit different than TALISMAN, but everything else seems the same. If you are sure that photo was taken in '62, and not '67, then I have no idea what boat that is. I would say they used the same plans for TALISMAN.
23/02/2009 1:22 pm
Here are a few more images of the BORDER STAR / BONNIE BELLE that surfaced over the weekend while I was looking for other pictures!
Photos: (1.) Another view taken by the late Lin Caufield, board member for the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE, when they inspected the boat at Knoxville on May 19, 1975, with the idea of perhaps buying her to run in conjunction with the BELLE. (2.) The BORDER STAR at Knoxville 1976. (3.) At Louisville as the BONNIE BELLE in 1980.
26/02/2009 6:58 am
Just Thought you would like to know that the boat is going to the shipyard in a couple weeks for its five year haul out. While at the yard the boat is getting the rest of its face lift and we are opeing up the Hurricane roof with stair wells over top of the existing stairs from the main deck. I am doing all this to make it easier to board at the wharfs in New Orleans. Also, the boat is getting new carpet, new restrooms, new galley equipment, and a new paint scheme. Also, I am considering changing the name. I have narrowed it down to a possiblity of three. Two of which I think you all would really like. I am leaning toward one name in particular.
I am really excited about being back on track!!! The past year has been a testament of things I would rather not disscuss. I will say that since this boat was built it has been one drama after another. Why should things with me be any different? This poor boat has been through hell and back and she just doesn't give up. Sometimes I think the boat has a stronger will than I do. I will admit I am a little superstitious and I suspect just like people, that boats seem to a have soul. If this is true than I believe the Belle has a strong one.
When I get the drawings from the Naval Architect I'll post them and you all can tell what you think. Yes I know I get a little testy about my boat, but please opinions will be welcome. This is costing me a small fortune so I want to get it right the first time.
PS. Keith can you email those other pic's? I noticed they have some details I've been looking for. [email protected]
27/02/2009 11:48 pm
Captain Joe,
Thanks for the update on your plans for the Belle. If you have an opportunity to post any pictures of her out on the drydock I'd love to see them. Your right that the ole gal is resiliant to say the least. Sorry we didn't get a chance to visit during Tall Stacks. One of your crew did give me a brief "tour" at QCR. Hope I can get down there one of these days for a cruise.
Take good care of her, she's special to alot of folks who've worked on her and ridden her all these years.
Aaron
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