Spamtown Belle prepares for June launch

Published 11:44 am Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The Spamtown Belle is undergoing renovations to prepare for its Mill Pond launch this month.

Austin’s paddlewheel replica passenger boat was lifted by a Joseph Company crane Monday afternoon at the Bill Regner residence onto its new bottom.

Regner and Jim Retterath have welded the boat and Fred Bruckmeier installed new paddles and spokes.

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According to boat captain Dick Nordin, the Belle has been in storage since last season at Rogers Industries.

Once repairs are complete and the boat is inspected, it will be ready for Mill Pond. Although Eastside Lake is a more ideal body of water, Nordin said the pond was chosen because of its proximity to downtown.

Nordin said the Belle will likely be available for rides from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Tickets will be $2 for adults, $1 for children and $35 for chartered cruises.

Captains and first mates volunteer their time for the tours. Austin City Council funding paid for boat repairs.

More than 1,000 passengers boarded the Belle last year; about one-third were from out-of-town, Nordin said.