Topic starter
14/05/2012 10:05 pm
Last week I was in the Peoria area and was able to get some pictures of the CRI. She appears to be in good shape, only a bit of paint loss to her stacks. There wasn't anyone in the office to ask any questions, so I don't know if she is for sale or not. She would make a great excursion boat for the right market. She is beautiful inside and out.
14/05/2012 11:49 pm
CRI
Thanks for those pix. I think she was the prettiest casino boat, bar none. She has more sheer than the LADIES and lots of gingerbread. When you saw her from the stern, she had the lines of the NATCHEZ on her fantails. At 201 feet, I always looked at her as a mini-NATCHEZ, red trim even. From what I had heard from employees in her last working days, she has quite a bit of mechanical issues, especially with the sewage system. I recall that someone had to go catch her during her journey to the Illinois fleeting area to keep her running - after all, she hadn't cruised for years. Her lines were loused up a bit when they extended the top deck stern bulkheads aft to accommodate more machines, but she still is a beauty. Were the other boats still there with her?
14/05/2012 11:51 pm
Upon further inspection
I just looked at the pix again. I believe that is the OCKERSON to which she is tied off. It had the CASINO sign over its entrance.
Topic starter
15/05/2012 4:49 am
There were two other boats, but very hard to see due to the tree growth. The stage or ramp for the "Boatworks" complex is also there.
15/05/2012 3:13 pm
Kevin and Judy,
She would make a great excursion boat. Could be converted into an overnight boat rather well, too. It is a shame beautiful boats like this sit on the bank like they do. She could be a real charmer in the right hands!
Travis
Topic starter
16/05/2012 6:56 am
While doing a little nosing and dreaming online I came across this add @ yahtworld.com I hope the link comes through, but it looks like 2.2 million is the asking price. It also states that the price has been reduced. 1991 Casino/Dinner/Entertainment Boat Paddle Wheeler Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
16/05/2012 12:31 pm
2.2 million
Sounds like a decent price, but as I said, I think the mechanicals are in bad shape, so that could be costly. One possibility I'm surprised hasn't happened: the Schadlers buying and renovating her to sell. I'd much rather have her than their CELEBRATION BELLE, but that wouldn't happen. But they have bought several boats and 'flipped' them. They do have the MISSISSIPPI BELLE II/PHILADELPHIA BELLE back on their hands now, so I doubt if they'd want to take on a second boat at this time. But I'm surprised they didn't buy her when she went out of service, unless the price was too high. Unlike Travis, I can't see her as an overnight boat, but she'd make a beautiful dinner boat, once she was aired out from all that smoking. She has a lounge readymade for piano/small group entertainment. As a sightseeing boat it would be difficult with only outside seating on the bow and top deck, but it would be doable too.
16/05/2012 2:22 pm
She is on sale for $2.2 million! To me it sounds like MAL is setting the prices. Sort of high, ain't it for a boat that doesn't have a COI or trade?
16/05/2012 2:26 pm
Someone show this to Heller
If he sees this maybe he will forget the DQ.
16/05/2012 6:00 pm
COI
I don't know if she's lost her COI - she did go over there on her own power, but I've lost track of how many years ago that was.
16/05/2012 10:21 pm
See that yellow and white all over my face, well it's egg. I just searched the U.S.C.G.'s vessel documentation site, and it looks like she has her papers till atleast next February. Nevertheless, I still think $2.2 million is a hefty price for her.