Katahdin (Lake Boat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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KATAHDIN (Lake Boat)
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Katahdin plies Moosehead Lake c. 1920
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built by | Bath Iron Works |
| Architectural style | Lake boat |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003435 |
| Added to NRHP | September 13, 1978 |
The Katahdin is a famous old steamboat that you can find on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine. This special boat was built in 1914 at the Bath Iron Works. At first, it carried tourists around the beautiful lake. Later, it was changed into a towboat to pull logs across the water.
In the 1990s, a group called the Moosehead Maritime Museum worked hard to restore the Katahdin. Now, it's back to giving fun tours on the lake! It's one of the oldest lake boats still around in Maine. It's also the oldest boat still floating that was built at Bath Iron Works. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Contents
What is the Katahdin Like?
The Katahdin is a steamboat with a rounded front, which is called a "bluff-bowed" design. It is about 102 feet (31 m) long. The boat is 28 feet (8.5 m) wide and its hull (the bottom part) is 9 feet (2.7 m) deep. The hull is made of strong steel, and it has two wooden decks on top. Usually, the boat sits about 3 feet 9 inches (1.14 m) deep in the water.
When it was first built, the Katahdin had enclosed spaces for passengers on both decks. There was also an open area at the back of the lower deck. The upper deck had open areas around its enclosed section. The pilot house, where the captain steers the boat, is at the front of the upper deck. Passengers usually entered the boat on the lower deck, through doors on either side of the pilot house.
The Katahdin's Journey Through Time
Building a Lake Legend
The Katahdin was built in 1914 by the Bath Iron Works for the Coburn Steamship Company. It is the oldest boat still floating that was made by Bath Iron Works. The boat was built in pieces and then shipped to Greenville. Workers then put all the parts together there.
When it first started, the Katahdin's main job was to take tourists and supplies to the Mount Kineo Resort. This resort was a popular spot on Moosehead Lake. The boat also offered fun cruises around the lake for people to enjoy the scenery.
From Tourists to Timber
During the Great Depression, fewer people could afford to travel for fun. Also, more people started using cars to get around. This meant fewer tourists needed the steamboat. The Katahdin made its last tourist trip in 1938.
In 1940, a paper company bought the boat. This company later became part of the Scott Paper Company. They changed the Katahdin to pull timber (logs) across the lake. To do this, they removed the open walking areas on the decks. They also replaced the old steam engine with a new diesel engine. The Katahdin continued to haul timber until 1976.
Bringing the Katahdin Back to Life
Soon after it stopped hauling timber, a local group called the Moosehead Marine Museum was formed. Their goal was to save and preserve the historic boat. They worked hard to restore the Katahdin enough so it could start giving tours again.
In 1993, a big fundraising effort began to fully restore the boat. The Bath Iron Works even helped by replacing parts of the hull. The upper deck is now made of fiberglass, and the open walking areas have been brought back. In 2012, the main support beam, called the keel, was replaced.
Today, the Katahdin offers cruises from June to October. You can choose from trips that go either 12 or 20 miles (19 or 32 km) up the lake. These cruises last about 3 hours or 4+1⁄2 hours. You can also rent the Katahdin for private events like parties or special gatherings.
See also
