Thursday, 23 May 2013

About The Elsie J

The ELSIE J. is a 48 ft. x 13 ft. fishing tug that was built by the Burger Boat Co. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1945 for Chris Jensen of South Haven, Michigan.

The Elsie J. has undergone several changes over the years to include the addition of the pilothouse and modification of the stern for passengers.

Chris Jensen began commercially fishing aboard the Elsie J. just after taking delivery of her in 1945. His son Chuck eventually took over the family business and fished aboard the Elsei J. until 1976 when commercial fishing was banned on the Great Lakes.

Equipped with her original 75-90 hp. Kahlenberg Oil Engine, the boat is still at South Haven operating as a licensed charter boat by the original owner's grandson, Captain Bob Jensen.

The Kahlenberg Oil Engine

A dry base, two-cycle semi-diesel popular as a choice for fish tug power following the steam era and prior to the introduction of high speed full diesels.

Kahlenberg Engine

Breaking the ice the hard way

The fish tug Elsie J. breaking through the ice to get home to South Haven after a cold day of fishing on Lake Michigan (circa 1952).

Elsie J

About the Elsie J

The History of the Elsie J

The ELSIE J. is a 48 ft. x 13 ft. fishing tug that was built by the Burger Boat Co. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1945 for Chris Jensen of South Haven, Michigan.

 

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