1894 Gas Engine and Power 40' Launch

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What an honor it has been to restore this historic launch! The project of a career, just the right confluence of the right boat, at the right time, for the right client!
Challenged to restore the boat, but incorporate all the latest technology to provide an electric launch with 8 hours cruise time, plus a 5kw diesel generator to run the chargers (and air conditioning) underway. 40 hp Elco drive, with v-drive engineering help from Gates (and our own Jeff Wingfield). Lithionics lithium iron phosphate battery pods (4) provide 108 volt DC power. Hidden, but accessible, Garmin GPS and auto pilot, Fusion stereo, and all the controls for 110 volt and 12 volt systems are all controlled from the helm. Custom engineered Loadmaster trailer, and our friends at Niccum Docks worked with the manufacturer to custom design a hydraulic boat lift for her, as well.

The finished product, water test on the Mississippi

We found an era correct helm station, the trick was incorporating a modern steering system

GPS and auto pilot, hidden if you want them that way

When we first saw the boat, we were drawn to the ornate woodwork, reminding us of a private rail car

We kept the patina of the original brass hardware

On the custom Loadmaster trailer we had built for her, amazingly easy to launch and retrieve

The beginning, August 2018, at the annual Antique Boat Museum auction

September 2018, has to come apart before it can go together

October 2018, heavy structural repairs forward...