In the Fall of 2006, The Great Lakes Historical Society's Boatbuilding volunteer group undertook the project of restoring a 1924 24-foot hull and retrofitting a boiler and steam engine. The goal: to produce a fully-functional steam launch intended for operation on the waters of the Great Lakes.

As of June 2008, the project continues, but the group is pleased to announce that the end is in sight! We've sea-trialed the launch and found that, despite the expected minor fixes and tweaks, we have a largely functional steam propulsion system, complete with a condenser! Currently, the group is constructing a canopy top for the steam launch to provide protection from the sun and to add a unique look to the launch.

Follow the project here through pictures and video!

View an 8-minute video which explains the history of the boat, shows the volunteer group at work, and finishes with on-board footage of the sea trials!
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Project Timeline and Photos:
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		August 2006: The group begins planning the restoration of the steam launch.
		September 2006: Work begins on the hull.
		May 2007: Hull work is largely complete; the group begins applying new canvas decks, building and installing coaming pieces, and fitting the oak rubrails.
		May 2007: The group also begins focusing on new or modified structural elements to hold the boiler, steam engine, and floorboards.
		December 2007: The deck and trim pieces are in place. Work has begun on the installing and plumbing the boiler and steam engine.
		January 2008: Close-up shot of the steam engine. At this point, the plumbing is roughed-in to help troubleshoot and determine what additional components are needed. Soon, a keel-mounted condenser will be installed as well.
		January 2008: Close-up of the steam engine and propeller shaft. A flexible coupling was installed to help keep vibrations in check.
		April 2008: First launch and seatrial! To everyone's relief, the steam launch ran quite well on her own power.
		April 2008: Additional shot of the first seatrial. A couple of weeks later, a second sea trial was conducted to test the steam condensing system (the video footage above was taken during the second sea trial).
		June 2008: Construction of the canopy top begins.

Be sure to check back as the restoration finishes! Keep an eye out this summer on the Vermilion River for the GLHS steam launch!