Nantucket Lightship in Dry dock

[Ron J]

[attachment 249644 112on railway109.JPG] Dec. of last year, We raised enough funds from private donors to dry dock the Nantucket LV112. For the first time in twenty years, She was raised from the water, where her hull had 6 tons of marine growth removed. A team of 6 men used shovels to scrape the basic growth, which all had to be thrown in a dumpster for removal. It is against the Law to dump it back into the Ocean, it could be detrimental to other marine life.
The Nantucket LV112 is a floating Museum, the USLM, The United States Lightship Museum / Nantucket LV112 .
The Masts are 75ft tall from the Deck, so roughly 100ft from the water when floating. The Two Mushroom anchors weigh 5000lbs.,and 6000lbs. The one in the center is the Main anchor, where the one on the side, is auxiliary. Believe me, it was needed.
Rj

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

That prop is as large as a person. Ron, does the rust ever eat all the way through, leaving an area that has to have the steel replaced? How long did it take folks to get the ship out of the water and onto that jig so that it could be sanded, and repainted? I think this is a neat series of pictures, thanks for sharing. Kelley (Texas)

 

[edjcox]

She has to towed right. That prop doesn't look like it turns anymore...???

 

[Ron J]

The Cooper/Bezimer Diesel has not been run in about twelve years. Due to the fact she was sitting all these years, we were concerned the seal locker would be clogged with marine growth, which it indeed was! Our first priority was to make sure the hull was in good shape. The Marine surveyor gave Her a Seven out of a Ten! Not bad for a vessel built in 1936.
In the next year or so, we expect to start her up.

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

n/t

 

[Ron J]

Which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Nantucket is a floating Museum. We are volunteers, with a small core group who do what repairs we can do, keep Her swept, and give tours. We give personal tours to a single person or large groups. In 2011, The United States Lightship Sailors Association (LSA) held their annual Memorial Service on board. This group is mostly made up of former Coast Guard Sailors who served aboard Lightships when they were active. Besides being on the Board of the USLM, I am also on the Board of the LSA, being Membership Director and Historian.
Anyone is Welcome to contact me, if in Boston, for a personal Tour. (Weekend preferred). Other arrangements can be made by appointment.
Each organization has a web site, I would list them ,but don't if this is acceptable on here.
RJ

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

n/t