The (First) Trip to the Ship....

Seeing What's Involved

Once a semblance of a Committee was in place, it was decided that a trip out to see the Argyle II was in order. On a blustery day in September a group of interested yet (for some) still uncommitted folks made their way out to the boat. We all hopped into Malcolm's cruiser and headed out to Channel Island. The McLaughlins knew we were coming so there was anticipation on both sides.

What would we see when we got there? Was the boat in a state of condition where a salvage attempt was even feasible? These were questions going through everybody's mind. Still there was a good deal of optimism for most involved as it would be neat just to go and see the Argyle II.

It took about 15 minutes or so to get out to the site and once we arrived we were greeted by Mr. Alan McLaughlin who we're sure, was as interested in checking us out as we were in doing the same to the boat. After some standard introductions and pleasantries, we all became consumed with the 72 foot vessel that lay half submerged in a small bay.

It looked pretty far gone at first and we all were warned to be careful about standing in certain parts of the deck, as the boards were anything but safe to walk on. One thing that did occur to everyone was the apparently solid condition of the steel ribs from which any restoration effort would begin. The old diesel engine - a Cat - was there but half under water. The lower deck of the boat was filled with water and you could see a mini-aquarium type environment with dozens of crayfish and minnow visible and swimming within the ships hull.

Alan McLaughlin gave a quick overview of their family's history of ownership and even showed us some plans he had drawn out - complete with measurements of the boat in its original condition - including the top wheelhouse which had been completely disassembled years earlier. We even got to see the original Registry and a number of other interesting pieces related to the boat's history.

A lot of discussions occurred about what may be involved in pumping the water out, patching the holes and soft spots in the outer hull and trying to get it floated and moved to a location in Kenora. Lots of theories and ideas were bandied about. The McLaughlins graciously provided some lunch for the group where more discussion and ideas were exchanged.

After lunch, the group of volunteers who made the trip felt an effort could be made to try and bring the Argyle II back home to Kenora. This desire was communicated to the McLauglins and it was conveyed that a salvage plan using qualified personnel would be developed. This plan would identify how the job would be done, who would do it and where the boat would be towed to.

What was need was time and that could only be granted by the McLaughlin Family. It was and the Argyle II received a stay of execution over the winter and spring of 2008 during which time, the promised plan for salvage would be developed and presented for consideration.

That process is the subject of our next post......