Before a summer staple can return to Manitowoc, it needs some work done.
An announcement from Lake Michigan Carferry says the S.S. Badger is getting dry-docked for spring repairs before the upcoming sailing season.
The Badger will go to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay to undergo propeller shaft bearing repair.
Chief Engineer Andre VerVelde says, “This trip is being made under our own power instead of under tow because we are so close to our sailing season, we will already have a crew getting the boat ready to sail. It takes two to three weeks of ‘fit out’ prior to the season, which involves getting her engines and machinery ready. Since the crew is going to be aboard anyway, we might as well steam her over.”
This isn’t the first time the Badger is getting repairs done.
At the end of the 2024 season, rebuilding of the 95-year-old apron decking was done as part of the second phase of the counter-weight replacement.
The Badger will leave Ludington, Michigan, on April 29th to start the trip to Sturgeon Bay.
The first day of the sailing season is Friday, May 16th.
