Three overnight boats together

Tall Stacks

All things considered, does the DQs present status (license?) permit a trip to Tall Stacks sans passengers? Not sure of the economics of said trip, but would the Coast Guard let her make the run with limited crew and pax?

Wesley

Three overnight boats together

At this point, she has NO motive power. Both her boilers are down. She would have to be towed--a prohibitive expense. I can't see that it would be possible in any universe to have them replaced--even if you had unlimited economic resources--by Tall Stacks. We've discussed the details of how difficult, and expensive, it would be to replace her boilers many times on this board, if anyone has not read it--someone more savvy than I could post a link. But the removal of the boilers, the design of new ones, the choice of fuel, etc.--we could go on forever--could drag on forever. We've even dragged on forever ourselves about it here, haven't we, Wesley?

Thanks, Mary!

Mary,

Thanks for the update on the boilers. I had overlooked/forgotten that one major fact. I agree that towing makes no sense. I guess it is safe to say "class dismissed" on this hypothetical question. 🙂

Best regards to all my .org friends.

Wesley

Mary and Wesley,

Before we mire ourselves in "it will never-happen-land" remember, anything is possible when engineering a machine.

The DELTA QUEEN is not a goner by any means. The boilers can be replaced and there is sufficient time, just not money at the moment. She would have to be on a drydock to get the old ones out and the new ones in. The old ones could be cut up in place way before said event. New boilers would be less than half the size of her current units and provide MUCH better efficiency than the current ones. The USCG would require they be enclosed in a double-walled steel enclosure which would not be hard at all to accommodate in the space left behind by the old units. As a matter of fact, the weight of the enclosure would almost be tantamount to success to her getting her trim back, as the weight of the old boilers removed would surely make her more than stern heavy in the new hull. I would go so far as to assume you would have to ballast her bow as well to get her back into running trim. These statements come from a former Chief Engineer on the boat, they are not my personal opinion. They are the educated determination of countless hours of study by a Licensed Steam Engineer who served many years aboard the boat.

I am really getting worried with all these "expert opinions" on here talking of her demise and the demise of steamboating in general lately. The DELTA QUEEN is in very good hands right now. Lean Ann and Randy Ingram are doing a lot of things behind the scenes most people aren't seeing . They are completely dedicated to preserving the boat until such time she CAN sail again. Most people know nothing of the tireless work they are doing...it is downright unbelievable! Not to mention the nay sayers on here about the ownership change. This is a totally unknown page yet to be written in her history. But, it seems everyone wants to say bad things about them, too! We simply know nothing of them, their plans, or what will come of this. So making disparaging public statements about them surely won't go far towards earning their respect for our cause!

Please remember the DELTA QUEEN is NOT the only steamboat out there either. Lest we forget the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE, NATCHEZ, and our lake boats the BADGER, CHAUTAUQUA BELLE and MINNE HA HA. Not to mention the QUEEN OF SEATTLE out west. The AMERICAN QUEEN is about to make a well deserved comeback...so the American institution which is celebrating it's 200th anniversary this year it is not dead at all!

Yes, in the last year we have lost too many boats...the BECKY THATCHER, PRESIDENT, ADMIRAL, MARY WOODS No# 2, and MISSISSIPPI QUEEN. This is why it is so important we support the vessels we have left and put our proverbial money where our mouth is instead of condemning the people who are doing it!

So lets stop saying "it can't happen", "it won't happen", "it is over", "I won't support it if it is not my way"...and lets start supporting the boats that are left! The DELTA QUEEN needs our support, as do all the running boats! It is not any more over for her than it is them...she is just doing something different for now until such time as the door is opened for her to come back.

I would love to see the DELTA QUEEN at Tall Stacks like everyone else...and who knows, there may be someone out there like the late great Capt. O. Nelson Jones who has the resources to make it happen (Remember in 1999 he brought the WP SNYDER Jr to Tall Stacks and no one thought THAT could happen!).

People are reading these postings from all over the world and we have to remember some of them are not as educated as we think we may be. As they read these words they think we are the authority on the subject and believe it to be true. We have an awesome responsibility here, for what one takes from these words could become a public opinion on the subject. Not to mention the effect our words could have on someone operating a boat or considering investing in the operation of or restoration of a boat.

Please people...lets stop all this doomsday prognosticating on here! This is the second time in two days I have posted something like this. True, we have to report facts...but, all this doomsday, end of the world stuff, and horrible things being said about people we don't even know has got to stop!

Nuff said?

Travis C. Vasconcelos

*RE: 'Three boats/Tall Stacks*

Hi, Wesley & Steamboating colleagues:
Not sure at this point RE: 'Three Boats/Tall Stacks.' Recent word here 'Tall Stacks' 2012 not likely to happen. No additional meetings on this for me here in town or northern Kentucky. Yet, hope springs eternal. I'd suggest going on your search engine to type in 'Tall Stacks, 2011' and see what pops up. If any prospect of TS next year then a lot of work, logistics, expenses need to be met. Last account was initial 'seed money' up in the $650,000 range just to get started.

I'd heard about the DQ's recent boiler dilemma with the 2nd one failing but didn't post. Others may know more than I do. Word was the 'DQ Boatel' brought in three conventional water heaters for house water. If the water tubes and other issues not remedied they may have to install a boiler to provide heat/water before next fall and cold weather. Again, that's all I know.

R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.

Thank you Travis and Amen! Well said and from the heart! In regards to the Delta Queen ever moving again, it is far too soon to write her off... New boilers and a renewed exemption would be the answer to prayers.But consider that we routinely rebricked the fireboxes and retubed the boilers yearly as needed to Coast Guard satisfaction, and a major, professional overhaul of the existing system is still possible. Oh, it's too expensive to tow her somewhere? Who says? Have we checked the cost? I have. It is quite feasable to push her from town to town for limited full service engagements, marketed and sold out in advance to avoid any loss... What, no steam? I and the rest of the still devoted don't care! We love the Delta Queen no matter what and would be proud to take her for visits from town to town, pushed by a towboat if necessary. It will be exactly like taking Grandmother to a family reunion; yes, she can't walk anymore but we still love her and will happily bring her in a wheel chair!

Clarification

"I guess it is safe to say "class dismissed" on this hypothetical question. 🙂 "

All,

I was not dismissing future operations of the DQ. My comment was calling an end to my discussion of taking the boat to Tall Stacks 2012, which event also seems hypothetical at this point. In the meantime I look forward to mobilizing the next exemption campaign as the Washington DC branch office.

As always,

Wesley

All,
Thanks for your comments about my wishful thinking. Stayed tuned folks in regards to the DQ's boiler troubles. I imagine IF something is going to happen, and I have a suspicion it will, it will happen this winter. Dale makes great points about Tall Stacks too. Time is a wasting. However I won't worry too much until we get to a year out from the proposed dates. With the right people (are you reading this?) the boat portion of Tall Stacks 2012 can and will come off without a hitch if funding is found. Thanks to all again for your comments. All we can do is hope for the best and as Travis said, support the boats in any way shape or form.

Aaron

Travis, et. al, hold your horses! I by no means think the DQ is gone. I will NEVER think that, and you know it. Tall Stacks is in a year, and to jump through all the hoops to get her there would be very optimistic--unless you know something I don't. I hope you do. I also remember what I was told it cost at the time we had to tow the boat to the Derby in 2008. The question of passengers was not answered, either--and I doubt the Coast Guard would allow passengers on board during the trip up, which would have been one way to offset some of the towing expense. However, no one would love to see it happen more than I would. Please, guys--don't shoot the messenger! I was answering a question with a fact: at this point, she has no motive power. In my OPINION, it would be difficult to get all the ducks in a row to get her to Tall Stacks in a little more than a year. In what way is this not supporting the Delta Queen? Who said anything about doomsday? Long live the Queen!

Has Anyone Actually " Crunched The Numbers " ??

Greetings From New Orleans !
First of all , Mary , " Point Well Taken " ! Secondly , has anyone actually " crunched the numbers " on the idea of towing the Steamer Delta Queen to the Tall Stacks celebrations ??
Imagine this , what a GREAT publicity stunt and opportunity for any towing company to tow the Delta Queen pro bono both to and from Cincinnati for the Tall Stack event ! Furthermore , if the DQ is towed , there would be no need for a full load of heavy fuel oil , a FULL engine room crew and even a FULL deck crew as well . AND , there would hopefully there would be no need to get the Coast Guard involved in any shape manner or form ! Also , there would be no need for a great deal of diesel fuel and imagine the boat making planned shore stops along the way for the local river town residents to tour the boat for a nominal charge and or to spend the night on the boat for a moderate charge ! AND , as the DQ lays in Cincinnati there could be additional revenues from more on board tours AND more over night stays ! One another possibility is to simply find a SPONSOR that COULD and WOULD cover ALL the expenses of moving the boat to and from Cincinnati ! Look what Betty Blake accomplished over all those long and lien years with the Delta Queen Steamboat Company when the boat was operated on a " Shoe String Budget " ! SHE cared and SHE made it work ! Its that simple !
My point is anything is possible if it is simply planned and executed properly with the right interested parties in play ! Remember anything is possible if there are enough genuinely interested people involved !
Just food for thought !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson
NOBRA 70

Mary Sward Charlton;26168 wrote: Travis, et. al, hold your horses! I by no means think the DQ is gone. I will NEVER think that, and you know it. Tall Stacks is in a year, and to jump through all the hoops to get her there would be very optimistic--unless you know something I don't. I hope you do. I also remember what I was told it cost at the time we had to tow the boat to the Derby in 2008. The question of passengers was not answered, either--and I doubt the Coast Guard would allow passengers on board during the trip up, which would have been one way to offset some of the towing expense. However, no one would love to see it happen more than I would. Please, guys--don't shoot the messenger! I was answering a question with a fact: at this point, she has no motive power. In my OPINION, it would be difficult to get all the ducks in a row to get her to Tall Stacks in a little more than a year. In what way is this not supporting the Delta Queen? Who said anything about doomsday? Long live the Queen!

Ted, You must be psychic! Right on the money!

Capt Mike;26164 wrote: It will be exactly like taking Grandmother to a family reunion; yes, she can't walk anymore but we still love her and will happily bring her in a wheel chair!

That is the PERFECT metaphor for what is happening in the steamboat community! Love it!

On the Hip ...

Personally, I have shoved the DELTA QUEEN many, many miles with a towboat riding on the hip of the ole gal when she was down on one boiler. One of my fondness memories was taking the QUEEN down through Henderson Island with my head buried in the cone atop the radar of the M/V BEN FRANKLIN. It was broad daylight, and the perfect time to practice "radaring", as all I had to do was raise my head for perfect visibility.

Soon after I cleared the foot of the island, I looked up and heard the voice of Captain John Beatty who was standing behind me in the pilothouse door where he had been watching the entire transit down through the tight channel and under the Henderson Highway Bridge.

"Good job," he said for what was a memorable experience.

From one who has toted the DELTA QUEEN around "on the hip", I know that towing her can be an easy thing for any towboat of moderate size. She's no more of a challenge than towing a couple of barges.

I have also moved the Delta Queen many times with tow boats, on a hawser and on the hip; but the best way by far I discovered was to unwire the monkey rudders, flop them over and tie them off sideways (they create very little drag as they only stick down in the water 3 feet) Then we wired a 1000 horse towboat to her stern cavels with wing and face wires, and with the tugs tow knees tight and faced up to her spreader frame. We had the push boat stay straight rudder and steered with the Delta Queens main rudders, using the push boat as our engine. We did all the manuevering from the Delta Queens pilothouse, simply calling engine commands via radio to the pilot on the push boat, instead of ringing an engine order telegraph. For landings or departures, we also used our own bow thruster, as well as the stern boats engines and rudders; it works great, no slinging her around on the hip! Shipyards' right, she weighs less than 2 jumbos and pushing her from the stern makes it easy to move her safely and effieciently, just like the River Explorers set up, but much smaller! It makes it a breeze going through locks and practical way to move the Delta Queen around should anyone get the notion to move her from town to town...

Rats are always first to leave a sinking ship

At last count the Delta Queen still has many rats onboard and coming aboard each month. Just because the steam is down at the moment, there is work currently going on to get the boilers back up. I witness the work each week as I go visit her. As far as what I have read about Tall Stacks it is in name only like Riverbend mostly for musical entertainment not for the namesake and recruiting boats. I hope I am wrong but that is what I gather from there website and news of the event. I have faith the DQ will return to operation and great care is being taken to insure she stays steam powered. I see the work the Ingrams have done and are continuing to do and it is for the best o9f the boat. They have not done anything to place the boat in harms way. As for me I will continue to do what I can and have a ckear sight of me getting to cruise her under steam and not a one time event either.