Launch, Steam
Name/Title
Launch, SteamEntry/Object ID
1998.005Description
Steam launch "Geraldine" built in 1885/86 at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, USA. The hull length is 29.5' at water line and deck is 31'. Boat is powered by a triple expansion engine manufactured by William Sisson, Gloucester, England in 1886. The water tube boiler was built in 1991 by Hobby Steam, Ltd. Geraldine was built in 1885 at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. She is powered by a triple expansion engine manufactured by William Sisson, Gloucester, England in 1886. Geraldine was first built for the US Postal Service and used as a mail boat on Lake Winnipesaukee. She was converted to internal combustion and used as a supply boat from the 1920s until World War II. She rested idle in a boatyard until the 1960s when she was purchased by Howard Boothroyd, who converted her back to steam. She was acquired by Louis L. Allen in 1969. In a great stroke of luck Mr. Allen outfitted Geraldine with, what he later would discover to be her original powerplant. Based on information obtained from the original Sisson patent, the Frontenac Steamboat Society of Kingston, Ontario, was able to restore it to operating condition. Geraldine’s current water tube boiler was built in 1991 by Hobby Steam, Ltd. There are likely no more than 10 steam launches in the world with both hull and engine certifiably over 100 years of age. Geraldine is the only known such launch in North America. JMP 5/24/2010Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1998.005Source or Donor
Allen, Louis L.Made/Created
Manufacturer
unknownDate made
1885 - 1886Place
Location
Lake Winipesaukee, NH USANotes
Date: 1885-1886 Propulsion: Steam Engine Engine: Sessions MPH: 5+ Cylinders: 3 HP: 5Dimensions
Width
7-1/4 ftLength
29-1/2 ftLocation
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building
Bartlett Point Barn 2
Stopper Storage
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility