A little about the Vernon C. Ledbetter (aka Vern)
What is the Vernon C. Ledbetter you ask? Well, Vern is a small paddlewheel boat built on pontoons. It's the 'brainchild' of one of Rayland Marina's residents, Captain Gary Morton. Captain Morton started the construction in 2006; a year before he and his wife, Marilyn, moved to the marina. He brought the un-finished vessel to the marina in 2007 where is set on blocks for that summer and into late summer of 2008. He then took some time, finished it up ready for 'sea trials'. This is where the following pictures start.
Vern is hydraulically driven via a 24 horsepower Honda motor. He draws 11 inches of water, drives like a sports car and will make even a 'cub pilot' look good. And, as some of the pictures show, he puts his 24 horsepower to good use.
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Rigged for lifting. Now, where's that trailer. We're loaded and ready to roll.
In he goes. Well, it floats. Maiden run.
He pushes big boats. He pushes barges. He goes on emergency runs.
He brings in 'broke boats'.
Vern has been used for many tasks; besides bringing in disabled vessels, he's been used to maneuver the dredge, install and remove the dredge pipe, ferry passengers and assist in loading boats on trailers. He's also been used for some nice evening cruises. He's done everything that's been asked of him and more.
Vern is scheduled to be pulled out this summer (2011) and have a couple modifications made so that he can perform even better; at least, Captain Morton hopes so.
As time and testing goes on, more about Vern will be posted here. Anyone wishing more information can contact Captain Morton by clicking here.
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