Tug John Purves tied to the dock at Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, April 15, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — History was on the move in Sturgeon Bay.
The Tug “John Purves” is sitting at its dock Monday at the Door County Maritime Museum, after some much needed repairs over the winter.
Shortly after 11 a.m., the Tug John Purves made its way through the Michigan Street Bridge. Door County Maritime Museum Deputy Director Sam Perlman, says he missed having the boat on site.
“It was kind of emotional, I have to say. This vessel, it’s the largest artifact in our collection, It’s our only in-water exhibit, and yeah, it was very emotional to see her come through the bridge this morning,” said Sam Perlman, Door County Maritime Museum Deputy Director.
The Tug John Purves was built in 1919, and has been docked at the Door County Maritime Museum for more than 20 years. Tug Boat Assistant Chief Paul Graf, says the 149 foot-long boat needed a lot of work at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay.
“There were some holes in the hull that were discovered. So, patches were put in, and other welding to eliminate the holes. But back in the stern, inside, a lot of rusted steel. So that was all out, and new steel bracing put in,” said Paul Graf, Tug Boat Assistant Chief.
Graf says one to three inches of zebra mussels had to be removed from the hull, and the Purves got a new coat of paint. And that’s not all.
“A massive cleanup. There’s a lot of rust dust throughout the tug. So, all flat surfaces are going to have to be vacuumed, and wiped down,” he said.
With the Purves returned to its dock, Sam Perlman says he’s glad to see this part of local maritime history back where it belongs.
“Really now, we have this vessel ship-shape to welcome guests for at least another 20 years. And going forward, we’re going to have a regular maintenance plan,” he said.
Workers and volunteers have two weeks to get the John Purves ready for the season.
Tug boat tours are scheduled to begin on May 1.
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