Historic Wooden Tug Boat Back Giving Tours, Unique View Of NYC From The Water
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - For the first time in about a decade you can hop aboard the city's last surviving wooden, steam tugboat.
It's an experience as rich as its history, reports CBS2's Nina Kapur.
Before New York was a city, it was a port, and tugboats just like the W.O. Decker helped keep it afloat.
"Decker was built as a small harbor tug so she was used for shifting barges," said Capt. Jonathan Boulware, president/CEO of the South Street Seaport Museum.
Back when the boat was built in 1930, that was its only purpose.
Now, after more than a decade of restoration work, the 52-foot ship is back on the water to give visitors a taste of New York City's history.
"Part of bringing that story to life is giving people access. We like to use our artifacts. We like to take our boats out and operate them," said Boulware.
You can see New York City waterways from a sailboat, passenger vessel, or even a ferry, but you can't beat the slice of history and the rocky waves you hit when riding an authentic tugboat from the 1930s.
It's the only one of its kind offering rides in the area.
PHOTOS: Views From The Deck Of The W.O. Decker
Every weekend, the W.O. Decker cruises around the tip of lower Manhattan, giving riders stunning views of the skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty before docking on the East River.
Passengers beware: It's a bumpy ride.
"Back in the day, she was a little water logged, so she wasn't as quirky as she is now, and so she floated a little deeper in the water," said Charles Deroko, a relief captain. "She hits a lot more in the way of waves."
Deroko and the W.O. Decker go way back. He's worked with the boat in some capacity since 1977.
"The W.O., of course, has a special place in my heart," he said. "So it never gets old, just to be able to be a part of her existence is an honor."
After restoration, he's back with the tug giving tours every weekend.
The South Street Seaport Museum is working on expanding those tour hours to weekdays as well.
It costs $30 for an hour-long ride and reservations are required. For more information, check out the South Street Seaport Museum website.
