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At quarter of its value, Queen of Seattle paddle-wheeler still for sale
The price has recently been cut to $250,000 on the 138-foot Queen of Seattle, a steam-powered, paddle-wheel boat moored on Lake Union.
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She has worked in three states under three different names. She loves to party, and has her own bar, cabaret stage, dance floor, player piano and 38-whistle calliope.
There’s even a touch of mystery in her background, stemming from the fact that her first owner’s body was found in a California river in 2003 — a death never fully explained.
Call her Queen of Seattle. That’s the name this 138-foot paddle-wheeler used on her most recent job, taking visitors on a 2½-hour loop around Lake Union from 2010 to 2013.
More information
For more information on the Queen of Seattle, contact Lisa Dindinger at [email protected]. For more information on Alaska Travel Adventures, see www.BestofAlaskaTravel.com.
“I love her. She’s an amazing piece of history,” said Lisa Dindinger of Alaska Travel Adventures , owners of the boat since 2005. “She needs loving care and someone with the know-how to make the best of her.”
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The steel-hulled vessel, which can carry up to 400 passengers, has the classic “floating wedding cake” look of a paddle-wheel riverboat, with its bright-red, 24-foot-diameter stern wheel.
Dindinger said her company decided reluctantly that the boat isn’t a good fit with its Alaska focus, and has offered it for sale for more than two years.
Based on an insurance appraisal that put the boat’s replacement value at more than $1 million, Dindinger said, the company first listed it for sale at $895,000, then dropped the price after about a year to $500,000 and — in the last two weeks — to $250,000.
Any potential purchaser would need pockets deep enough to cover not just the purchase price, but the succession of expenses for moorage, maintenance, fuel, insurance and renovations that will follow.
And there’s this: Anytime the boat is under way, the Coast Guard requires that it have a licensed steam engineer on board.
Dindinger admits only a small slice of the boat-buying public would have a use for a vessel like this. She’s had a couple of recent inquiries, but nothing that panned out.
The boat was built in Sacramento in 1984 as the “Elizabeth Louise” by Harold Wilmunder, whom Dindinger said was a sign maker by occupation and a steam engineer by hobby.
He didn’t operate a consistent tour business with the boat but did some charters and special events, and took friends and family for rides along the Sacramento River.
One day in 2003, the 78-year-old Wilmunder got a call from police saying it appeared a hatch had been forced open near the boat’s bow. Wilmunder went to investigate and was never seen alive again.
After his body was found in the water between a Coast Guard boat and a dock, authorities said the death appeared to be a drowning but were hesitant to rule out possible foul play.
Dindinger said she and her husband learned of the boat online and found Wilmunder’s widow willing to sell. The boat was barged to Seattle, renovated and then steamed its way Ketchikan to begin running tours under the name “Alaska Queen.”
(It still carries the initials “AQ” in gold letters high between its smokestacks, even though the hull identifies it as the Queen of Seattle.)
But Dindinger said the Coast Guard was concerned that the boat, which is tall, narrow and sits high in the water, might not be stable enough for winds and waves in Southeast Alaska, which could be as strong as those in the open ocean.
So the tour company brought the boat down to Seattle and put it to work on Lake Union. But Dindinger said it’s been difficult for the company to give the boat tours proper attention, since its other operations are based in Alaska.
Dindinger said she doesn’t expect the price to drop below the $250,000, adding that it could cost nearly that amount to dispose of the boat.
“We sure hope it doesn’t come to that,” she said.
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Emerald Queen Casino Paddlewheeler
Northwest Yachtnet invites you aboard a truly unique new listing—the classic 300-foot-long paddlewheeler that once housed the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.
For the Broker’s Best section, we pride ourselves for covering a wide variety of used sail and powerboats available in the Pacific Northwest. This month, however, may be one of the first times we have featured one that is nearly 300 feet long, has more than 70,000 square feet of space on four decks, weighs 400 tons, and is big enough to comfortably accommodate 2,000 guests. Oh, and it’s also powered by a giant wooden stern wheel instead of a propeller.
Behold the Emerald Queen , the former floating gambling palace that had been moored at the Blair Waterway on the Tacoma waterfront for the last 25 years as part of the Emerald Queen Casino, owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
Built in 1995 by Louisiana-based Quality Shipyard and Kehl River Boats at a cost of $15 million, the steel Emerald Queen was designed to look like the classic paddlewheel riverboats that used to ply the waters of the Mississippi River in the 19 th century. Balustraded exterior walkways and lush interior amenities evoke the buildings of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The grande dame made her way from Houma, Louisiana, to Tacoma in 1997, not under her own power but towed on a barge by the Northwest tugboat Drew Foss , on a month-long journey south across the Gulf of Mexico, through the Panama Canal, and up the West Coast to Puget Sound.
But after its gamble paid off with many years in the casino business, the Puyallup Tribe knew when to hold ‘em, knew when to fold ‘em and retired the vessel as a casino in 2004. The ship is now moored next to Tacoma’s “Firecracker Alley” and is up for sale by the Tribe. The boat’s total interior space measures more than 70,000 square feet (23,400 square feet for the casino; 25,320 square feet for the lounge) and can be accessed by three gangways to the second deck and one gangway to the main deck.
The boat is equipped with two elevators: one 3,500-pound-capacity passenger elevator forward and a 10,000-pound-capacity freight elevator aft. The most striking interior feature, however, is the opulent forward grand staircase, which connects three decks inside an open atrium lit by a large hanging chandelier.
The boat’s main deck features a covered walk around the perimeter, accessed by two forward gangways. Inside is the former gambling area, though all the gaming machines and tables have been removed. There are, however, five television screens, recessed chandeliers on the ceiling, meeting rooms at the aft end of the vessel, and men’s and women’s heads. The casino bar area includes a foot rail, a Hoshtzaki ice machine, three soda taps, two stainless steel ice bins, two double and two single stainless-steel sinks, three 2-door under-counter coolers, and liquor storage. It is one of three such bar areas located on each deck.
Located astern is the red paddlewheel structure, which rises as high as the second deck and can be hydraulically lifted and lowered into the water. The wheel is powered by two Cummins HTA-38 diesel engines, producing a combined total of 1,880 HP, a stately cruising speed of 8 knots, and a top speed of 10 knots. A 300-HP Thrustmaster hydraulic bow thruster also helps control the boat during mooring procedures. Because the Emerald Queen has been anchored in the same spot for a quarter-century, the engines have less than 200 hours of use. Despite their idleness, however, the engines have been lovingly maintained by the Tribe and remain in pristine condition.
Exterior stairs at port and starboard, forward and aft, lead up to the second and third decks, both of which have covered walk-around exterior decking. Inside the second deck ,the former nightclub area of the casino space, is still equipped with seven TV sets and another fitted bar with the same equipment found on the main deck below, plus a master microwave oven and liquor storage. The deck also has a security monitor room with 18 video processors, three monitors, and two camera controls, and two 5-stall heads for men and women.
The top level includes a pilothouse, complete with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, two forward searchlights, a wooden steering wheel, and a ship’s office. Aft of the pilothouse there are also two vertical engine funnels with crown-like, Creole-style ornamentation, giving the boat 55 feet of bridge clearance.
Born on the bayou, this Cajun gem is a classic homage to the nation’s proud riverboating heritage, giving credence to any potential plans for a revival as a future clearwater palace—whether it’s anchored at port or just rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river.
Specs & Info:
LOA 292’ · Beam 60’ · Draft 7’ Tankage (Fuel/Fresh/Black) 14,000 gal. / 30,000 gal. / 32,000 gal.
Engines Twin Cummins HTA-38 Diesels
Contact: Northwest Yachtnet Seattle, WA Matt Palmer 253-310-7162 [email protected] nwyachtnet.com
Randy Woods
Goods + gear – february 2022, you may also like, 2008 oyster 53, 1987 nordzee kotter trawler, 2001 55′ fleming, 1999 66′ forbes cooper/queenship pilothouse, 2022 maritimo m64, 2021 solaris 50, 2018 ocean alexander 70e, 2005 82′ leclercq pilothouse, 1930/2022 vashon navigation, classic 1938 nevins-built sparkman & stephens yawl, leave a comment cancel reply.
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Paddle Wheel Riverboat for Sale
Eric Haun , Editor
Eric Haun is editor of Marine News. He has covered the commercial maritime and...
January 13, 2015
- New in 1994
- 260 feet long and 78 feet wide
- $24 million when it was built
- Two 18 Cylinder CAT Power Plants 2,200 HP (Low Hours)
- Two 1,440 KW CAT Generators model 3516
- Eight Chillers that air conditioned the entire boat
- 3,000 KW CAT 3406 Back Up Generator (450 Hours)
- All steel construction: approximately 2,200 tons
- All interior walls stainless steel covered
- 24 miles of copper wire installed
- Navigation gear fully functional, including new radar system
- Last certified by the Coast Guard for use in Oct 2014
- Ultra-modern rest room facilities
- Three Floors of clear space with carpet, lights, air conditioned and heated – 35,000 square feet
- Bar Area with refrigeration equipment
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The Truth About Paddlewheels
Are they real paddlewheels?
#1 question our agents get asked about the cruises on the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers: Are they real paddlewheels? And this is a tricky question because yes, they are real – no holographic paddlewheels on these boats. But no, not all of the boats are maneuvered by the paddlewheels. If this issue is important to you, let me help you clear up the truth about paddlewheels.
The American Empress on the Columbia River
The Tradition of Paddlewheel Maneuverability
Paddlewheels are a historic part of the evolution of boats and water transportation, and were vital in the development of trade and tourism on the Mississippi River. There are two types of paddlewheel steamers: the sternwheeler with a single paddle wheel on the rear, and sidewheelers that have a wheel on each side. Overnight passenger cruise ships in America now are solely built on the sternwheeler model, although there are still functioning sidewheelers around the world.
If the most important part of your cruise is knowing that you are on a traditional, authentic steam-powered, paddlewheel maneuvered boat, then you have to book aboard the American Queen – its the only operating cruise ship that qualifies. It is a larger, older boat, but it has years of dependable experience and a ship’s captain that knows the curves of the Mississippi River like the back of their hand. Agent Tip: everyone should take the tour of the engine room when offered!
The American Empress on the Columbia River is a paddlewheel maneuvered boat, but runs on diesel instead of steam.
The Comfort of Modern Technology
On the Mississippi River, the American Splendor and the American Heritage both have stunning paddlewheels. On the Columbia River, the American West and American Pride both have beautiful, bright red paddlewheels. BUT… none of those paddlewheels are functional. They are real paddlewheels: they turn in the water, and you’ll get a nice mist or spray of river water in your face when you get too close. But the paddlewheel is not what’s moving these four boats. These boats have the most up-to-date navigation equipment, making for a safe and smooth ride. I was so impressed when I toured the pilot house of the America in May and heard the Captain explain that there were 2 Z-drive units that could be rotated 360°, that worked independently of each other. This gave the Captain much better control, especially when entering and leaving a dock. And considering how tricky our dockings were (the river was high and most docks were under water), I was appreciative of our Z-drives.
This isn’t a decision we can make for you – the functionality of the paddlewheel can be a deal-breaker for the more nautically-passionate cruisers. Fortunately, we have boats on two rivers that with functional and beautiful paddlewheels, no matter your preference. This is definitely something to consider when choosing your cruise. Talk to our agents about your cruise ship preference today: (800) 578-1479.
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Tri-Deck Stern Wheeler – Recently Listed by Waterline Boats
Custom Steel Tri-Deck Stern Wheeler Recently Listed For Sale by Waterline Boats / Boatshed Seattle
This Steel Stern Wheeler is a very unique, versatile combination of a historic Stern Wheeler and a fine Seattle waterfront three story condo.
8 VIRTUAL TOURS – 1 VIDEO – 140 PHOTOS – FULL SPECS & BROKER’S COMMENTS CAN BE VIEWED OF THIS 1988 Custom Steel Tri-Deck Stern Wheeler
- Hydraulically-driven split paddle wheels
- Hydraulic power supplied by six cylinder diesel engine
- Very spacious, full-headroom engine room
- More….
- Full size dishwasher
- Samsung microwave
- Granite top counter space
- Wine cooler
- Trash compactor
- Maytag stacking washer and dryer
- More…
There’s so much more to see in this unique boat and live-aboard.
Click for the entire Waterline Boats / Boatshed Boats For Sale Inventory!
WLB Brokerage – Boatshed Seattle | Boatshed Everett | Boatshed Tacoma | Boatshed Port Townsend
[email protected] 206 282 0110 2400 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 1 Seattle, WA 98109
564 218 5201 2730 Washington St. Suite C Port Townsend, WA 98368
425 278-9846 920 Millwright Loop S Suite 1 Everett, WA 98201
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The price has recently been cut to $250,000 on the 138-foot Queen of Seattle, a steam-powered, paddle-wheel boat moored on Lake Union. She has worked in three states under three different names ...
Contact owner at (206) 303-9245. Add To Cart. This sternwheel river boat was built by the owner in Sausalito, California and launched there in 1983. In the mid 90's it was hauled to Portland and has been on the Columbia since then. In recent years the owner has become disabled to the extent that he cannot use the boat or do needed repairs.
Twin Cummins HTA-38 Diesels. Contact: Northwest Yachtnet. Seattle, WA. Matt Palmer. 253-310-7162. [email protected]. nwyachtnet.com. Northwest Yachtnet invites you aboard a truly unique new listing—the classic 300-foot-long paddlewheeler that once housed the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma.
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Paddlewheels are a historic part of the evolution of boats and water transportation, and were vital in the development of trade and tourism on the Mississippi River. There are two types of paddlewheel steamers: the sternwheeler with a single paddle wheel on the rear, and sidewheelers that have a wheel on each side.
8 VIRTUAL TOURS - 1 VIDEO - 140 PHOTOS - FULL SPECS & BROKER'S COMMENTS CAN BE VIEWED OF THIS 1988 Custom Steel Tri-Deck Stern Wheeler. This is a rare find in a traditional riverboat sternwheeler that is fully operational yet graciously furnished for luxury waterfront living. Operations. Hydraulically-driven split paddle wheels.
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Description. Details. Marieville Paddlewheel Riverboat - Disar Model Wooden Ship Kit. Build this magnificent 1/72 scale replica of the paddle steamer named Marieville! The paddle steamer is a type of vessel that had paddle wheels usually located on either side of the ship or at the stern, a design that was widely extended for some time.
Mississippi River "paddlewheelers" or "steamboats," have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the United States, especially in regions along the Mississippi River. American Cruise Lines' fleet of Mississippi River paddlewheelers continues this rich tradition, offering guests an authentic journey along this legendary river where ...
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For sale House, Russian Federation, Omsk Oblast, Омск, Tikhaya st., 30. For sale. House. 800 m². I've built this house for myself, but I have to sold it now. The walls are made of briks, the area of the house is 800 sq. m. Korean gas installlation... Add to favourites Details.