Could everyone write one simple essay about something that once happened in Saltaire…that they saw or were a part of…and put it on one big website? Somebody should collect a lot of stories before we all forget. Otherwise it is like a line in “On The Beach” : The history of the war that now would never be written.” -(JO'H)

Friday, October 24, 2008

CAPTAIN FRANK MINA VERIFIES ITS PROVENANCE: NOW YOU CAN BUY A FIRE ISLAND FERRY BOAT: LEGIT

As listed on EBay:










CHECK OUT THIS E BAY LISTING FOR A BOAT FOR SALE A "RUMRUNNER STYLE" BUILT IN 1943 (LONG AFTER PROHIBITION) THAT SERVED "A STINT AS THE FIRE ISLAND FERRY."


The Socks its Not:




Here is the listing:
1943 63' mahogany ferry
Vehicle Description
1943 Rumrunner style wooden boat built by the Miami Shipbuilding Co. seeks new owner. Needs to be re-powered and possibly re-planked. Currently docked in the Gowanus Canal and will need to be moved. 63' by 15', large cabin with separate head and back porch area. The cabin space contains numerous windows for plentiful light, including a large window in the stern side. The head area contains original 1940s drop-down sink with drainage. There are spaces under the main cabin that can be converted into rooms or storage. Large roof area for entertaining. The kitchen area contains a hand-made table which folds into the wall, below which is a claw-foot bathtub with drainage. She's wired for electricity and could be worked for running water and heat.Our beautiful boat started life as a rescue vessel before doing a stint as the Fire Island Ferry. We have put two years of love and work into her, and we hope to find someone who will love her as much as we have. Her possibilities are endless: she could make a wonderful liveaboard, space for entertaining or project boat for someone who loves wooden boats with history. Currently registered in New York State by single owner. Buyer must transport her from the Gowanus Canal at their own expense.


FRANK MINA KNOWS THE HISTORY OF THIS VESSEL, (HE IS NOT VOUCHING FOR ITS CONDITION, HOWEVER):


Capt. Frank said...

Jim,


She is the "Point 'O Woods v" an ASR (AIR SEA RESCUE) built by Miami Shipbuilding in 1943 the same folks who built the "Fire Islander" in 1942. She was converted to a ferry in 1985 by the same Scopinich family that did the "Fire Islander" in 1952. Design was originally planned by Capt. Patterson and Artie Weiss, long-time captain for the POW Association.

---- CAPT FRANK MINA



INSIDE INFO FOR BIDDERS FROM CAPT FRANK MINA:

Capt. Frank said...

Jim,
No one should bid over $52,254. That's what Scopinich charged POW. Oh, plus they took the POW IV as a trade in :-)








6 comments:

Derf said...

Yes Jim, "the Socks it aint"

Anonymous said...

Jim,
I wrote this afternoon that she is the "Point 'O Woods v" an ASR built by Miami Shipbuilding in 19430 the same folks who built the "Fire Islander" in 1942. She was converted to a ferry in 1985 by the same Scopinich family that did the "Fire Islander" in 1952. Design was originally planned by Capt. Patterson and Artie Weiss, long-time captain for the POW Association.

Anonymous said...

Jim,
No one should bid over $52,254. That's what Scopinich charged POW. Oh, plus they took the POW IV as a trade in :-)

hawaiisuperferry said...

JIm- Frank should have also mentioned that the former Fire Island Queen was a Point O' Woods ferry- number III- I have a post card of her at the dock in Point O' Woods I shall scan and send to you.

Justin

Anonymous said...

A little more information on the current status and history of the boat can be found here:

http://www.woodenboatrescue.org/carview.php?view=174

Anonymous said...

While these posts are a few years old I would like to make a clarification about the Point O' Woods V. My late Uncle Artie Weis became Captain for the Point O' Woods Association in the Summer of '63 when they purchased this boat-The V. It was in service for Point O' Woods from the Summer of 1963 until 1985 when the Coast Guard declared her wooden hull unsound and the Association retired her. The Point O' Woods VI was Steel Hulled and Uncle Artie hated her-a lot. She was slow, ugly and dull. The POW V was a beautiful well appointed and fast boat. Her sister ferry was the Fire Island Empress owned by Kenny Stein. We where all upset to see her go. Uncle Artie retired from Point O' Woods in 1995 after 33 Seasons. The Weis Family founded Kismet and owned the Kismet Inn and Market as well. They sold the Inn to Dick Grunemeyer in the mid 50's. I have so many great memories aboard the POW V. Evacuating the beach during Hurricane Belle in '76 she almost capsized mid crossing-She was very top heavy with a full load of passengers top side. Uncle always got very nervous with a choppy bay and a bunch of Woodsies who insisted on riding topside. We always joked that the Woodsies didn't need a Ferry, they could just walk on water. Sadly Uncle Artie and Aunt Ev passed in 2007-lifelong Fire Islanders. Aunt Ev was a Smith from Fair Harbor. Her Dad Captain Art Smith built many homes in Fair Harbor in the 30's and 40's. Kenny Stein took the family out on the bay on one of his boats and their ashes where spread in the bay they loved and made their livelihood from. I hope someone bought the old girl POW V and she's still on the water. I loved that boat. Chris Turnquist