The Steamboating Forum

Last week, the 2025 steamboat meet at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY was held and was a success as usual. The weather was generally good, though windier than any of us liked, though the last day when we were pulling our boats it was mill pond smooth, Murphey being in full effect.

The steam launches in attendance were:
Aurora Borealis
Iona
Iron Butterfly
Pemigewasset
Phoenix
Qualcheu
Stoked
Vividus

Ann Weaver cools her heels on Iona's stern during the Museum's "Family Day".

Clem Legates' Phoenix passing a sailboat on the way to Alexandria Bay.

Newcomer (hopefully) to steamboating Jeremy Turino takes a turn at Vividus' helm.

The fleet is lined up at one at the museum's docks.

The Museum has an onsite restoration shop (and a larger one under construction), that was fully staffed on this day.

Iron Butterfly is seen here passing Qualcheu (or vice-versa).

Here are some of the Museum's operating motor boats, ready to go, as a laker passes in the background. The pollen (or ash from Canadian forest fires) was pretty thick some days.

Here is the information on this exhibit:
GERALDINE
Boat Type: Steam Launch Builder: Unknown
Date Built: 1885
Current Engine: 1886 Sisson triple-expansion steam engine
Length: 29'
Donor: Louis L. and
Annette H. Allen
Accession No.: 1998.005
Beam: 7.25'
Geraldine is the only known steam launch in North America where hull and engine are both certifiably over 100 years old. Like many other small steam launches of the time, she served her local communities on Lake Winnipesaukee as a mail boat. Her triple-expansion engine was rare for a boat of Geraldine's size.
Hull Design: Displacement
Method of Power: Steam
Material: White pine, white oak & mahogany

Here is Geraldine's engine. (I already offered to help in any restoration to operation...)

One night, we even had a small display of Northern lights. Very cool!

Here is Steve Weaver's Iona underway. She is a real work of art.

Here we see Vividus and Pemigewasset leaving Heart Island across from Alexandrea Bay. That is the powerhouse for the island in the background.

My boat Vividus with a bone in her teeth.

Thank you for posting the photos Kelly. It looks like great fun was had by all. Some gorgeous boats. Would love to see 'Geraldine' back on the water.

How expensive were accomodations and how close were they to where the boats were kept?

"How expensive were accomodations and how close were they to where the boats were kept?"

Sorry for the delay in this reply. We always stay at Islander Marina & Lodge, which is right across the street from the Antique Boat Museum, and adjacent to the municipal launch ramp. It's rather expensive at $178 per night, but you can't beat the convenience. There are easily a dozen other motels in town in all ranges of pricing. Some of our group stay at Whiskey River Marina & Cottages, a short distance away, where they stay in cabins, and also have their own launch ramp.

Likewise, there is a wide variety of eating places for every budget and taste.

What a great way to experience steam for the first time! The owners were more than happy to explain and share their knowledge about steam. It was a truly magical visit to Clayton. Thank you to everyone for being so welcoming.

Hi Kelly,

thank you for sharing the pictures. I would have loved to have been there, but unfortunately the journey there is a bit far for me.

Best
Dietrich