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Updated: 2 hours ago

Ahoy! Moosehead Lake’s fabled steamship Katahdin still chugging

Photo / Jim Neuger The term “steamboat” is a misnomer. The Kate switched from coal to diesel power in the 1920s.
By Jim Neuger

Plying Moosehead Lake from its berth in Greenville since 1914, the steamship Katahdin — known as “Kate” to the faithful — is the incarnation of northern Maine’s nautical history. It was christened by a certain Miss Julia Crafts, who according to a contemporary report “broke the bottle of wine in a very graceful manner.”

Photo / Jim Neuger
A crew member tosses out a mooring line as the Kate returns to its dock in Greenville.

The great and good of early 20th century New England rode the Kate to the island resort of Mount Kineo, until the Depression and the ascendance of the automobile put an end to that highbrow brand of tourism.

Photo / Jim Neuger
The Kate at its berth at sunrise.

The 110-foot, 120-ton vessel then went on logging duty, serving the timber industry (and polluting the lake) until growing environmental awareness shut that business in 1975. It wasn’t until the 1990s, and after a brush with being scuttled, that the Kate found its original calling again, and it hasn’t looked astern since.

During a season that stretches from late June to mid-October, the Kate carries close to 9,000 passengers yearly, and hosts weddings (seven in 2024) and themed events such as dance and pirate cruises.

Capital campaign

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Kate also needs a fresh coat of paint, plus a few more essential upgrades. With the help of a federal grant, the "Keep Kate Cruising" campaign has raised just over $1.6 million toward a targeted $2 million to replace the decks and railings and repaint the hull.

While some of the work is completed, a closer look under the hood has combined with post-pandemic inflation to raise the price tag for the final fixes.

“It’s like renovating a home: once you start taking things apart, sometimes it’s a happy surprise and sometimes it’s not,’’ says Liz McKeil, executive director of the Moosehead Marine Museum, which operates the ship and houses exhibits on the lake’s history. “This turned out to be much more involved than we had originally estimated.’’

One plan to tap more revenue is to expand the corporate charter business. The Kate’s captains are counting on the ship’s fans to pitch in as well.

Photo / Jim Neuger
The term “steamboat” is a misnomer. The Kate switched from coal to diesel power in the 1920s.

 

Photo / Jim Neuger
Wood railings and paneling mark the interior.

 

Photo / Jim Neuger
The Kate goes on cruises of two to three hours on most summer days, with a galley serving hot and cold meals.

 

Photo / Jim Neuger
Private donations and state and federal grants rescued the Kate in the 1970s.

 

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