Fishtown Tugs Need Your Support

Thanks to all those who have helped in the past and to all those who are continuing to keep her working.

“For the Joy of It” is the title of the Fishtown Preservation Society’s 2008 fall/winter newsletter, and for good reason. People love the Fishtown tugs and like to check in on them as if asking after old friends. Because of this, there have been a lot of questions about the tugs lately, from “Will the Joy and the Janice Sue ever fish again?” to “Why aren’t the tugs docked on the river any more?” The fact is that they are currently at the Northport Bay Boat Yard getting some much-needed TLC.

Fishtown would not be Fishtown without the Joy and the Janice Sue . The two tugs and commercial fishing are as much a part of Fishtown as the weathered shanties and docks on the Leland River. The Fishtown Preservation Society (FPS) is determined to get the tugs out fishing again in 2009. But we need your help to make this happen. Please donate to the Tug Lover’s Fund.

In September 2008, the tugs were sailed to Northport so they could be lifted from the water for dry-dock inspections. As a result, we learned how much work they need to ensure their safe operation and longevity. Back in 2006, FPS was concerned about Saving Fishtown for the benefit of the region, knowing that we were taking on an incredible responsibility as Fishtown’s stewards. We now face that the tugs, like the site, require major repairs for their preservation.

To learn more about the tugs’ September 24, 2008 journey to Northport, click here.

The Leelanau Enterprise recently published an article about the work currently being done on the tugs.

Many of Fishtown’s supporters have been asking about the Joy and the Janice Sue. Because of this interest, FPS will offer regular tug updates on our blog until the tugs are ready to fish again this spring.

• The Janice Sue has had her exterior hull sandblasted, epoxy-coated, and painted, a new fuel tank designed, her engine overhauled, her cabin stabilized (to be completely rebuilt at a later date), and other repairs are being addressed.

• The Joy has had extensive welding and hull-stabilization work completed, sandblasted, epoxy-coated, painted, a new fuel tank designed, and is currently having equipment reinstalled.

Click thumbnails for larger image slideshow: