When it comes to maneuvering large ships through crowded harbors or narrow channels, tugboats are known far and wide as the workhorses of waterways.
But Mark Shafer’s tug, named the Wildflower, isn’t a beast of burden, it’s more like a plush yacht.
‘We basically redid the cosmetic end of it as far as carpeting, glass, ceiling,? said Shafer, who’s lived in Addison Township for almost 20 years.
Docked in Algonac where the St. Clair River meets the North Channel, folks are invited to rent and stay aboard the 145-ton Wildflower like they would a cabin in northern Michigan.
‘It’s kind of like a bed and breakfast without the breakfast,? said Shafer, who co-owns the boat with brother, Mike Shafer, of Algonac.
The 80-foot-long, 22-foot-wide Wildflower sleeps at least 12 people with its four sleeping quarters and a spacious salon. Stocked full of necessities, the boat’s large galley (kitchen to you landlubbers) comes complete with refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, dishwasher and a bar.
Three levels of outside deck space are perfect for sunbathing, fishing or just relaxing.
‘Actually, it’s a real nice house,? Shafer said. ‘We’ve had a lot of inquiries. We’ve got some things booked.?
Although renters are not allowed to take it out for a cruise, staying aboard the Wildflower offers them a wonderful opportunity to experience what it’s like to live on a boat.
‘You’re right on the water,? said Shafer, who grew up in Lake Orion. ‘Where we have the boat docked, the freighters are 200 yards from you when they go by.?
Hard to believe, but the Wildflower started its life in 1940 as a U.S. Navy tug called the Chipola built in New Orleans. It was originally used in Virginia for pushing around naval ships until its retirement in 1947.
‘It’s a 1940s harbor tug. They do not make this style of tug anymore,? Shafer said. ‘It is your classic, old-fashioned-looking tugboat.?
Eventually, the tugboat ended up in Brooklyn, New York in the mid-1990s and was purchased off e-Bay by the Shafer brothers in November 2007.
The Wildflower had already been converted to what’s called a ‘liveaboard? boat, but the Shafers still had to invest ‘a decent amount of money? to fix it up both inside and out. Converted old tug boats like this are a rarity.
‘They’re extremely hard to find because it’s a major process to convert them from a working tug to a liveable place,? Shafer said.
On Saturday, the Wildflower took her maiden voyage as a racing vessel by competing in the 33rd Annual International Tug Boat Race on the Detroit River. Although prior to the event he predicted his tug would come in last, Shafer was pleased to report the Wildflower finished third ? from last.
‘I think one of (our competitors) blew an engine and another one, I think we beat him outright,? said Shafer, noting his vessel was traveling at a respectable 7 miles per hour. ‘Overall, it was a blast, lots of fun.?
Unlike a working tug, which might have a 2,000-horse engine, the Wildflower has about 500 horses behind her.
‘It’s a massive boat with a small engine compared to a working tug,? Shafer said. ‘Our top speed, if we’re heading downstream, we might hit 10 (mph). If we’re fighting the current, we might be doing about 5 or 6 (mph).?
For more information about the Wildflower Tug visit www.wildflowertug.com.