It took about 60 days, but the Robert Noble has been returned to its berth on Washington Island after a re-powering project at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. The Noble returned home, with Rich Ellefson & Hoyt Purinton of the Washington Island Ferry Line at the helm, last Thursday. During the project, new engines were installed on the ferry boat built at Peterson Builders in 1979. In addition, new propellers were installed, underwater cooling loops were modified & exterior hull work was completed. A federal environmental protection agency grant was used to help pay for the work estimated at more than $600,000. The new tier two cat diesel engines are are expected to cut fuel consumption by 15%, enhancing air quality.
