344 The Vessels

245HULL NUMBER

Lake Bulk Freighter built at the River Rouge yard in 1924 as a) BENSON FORD (1) (US.223909). Hull 245 was launched April 26, 1924 for the Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, MI. Dimensions: 612’loa, 586’lbp x 62’ x 32’; 8626 GRT, 6393 NRT, 12,900 dwt. Powered by a 3,000 bhp four cylinder Sun-Doxford opposed piston diesel engine. Rated service speed: 11 knots (12.7 mph). The BENSON FORD (1), and her fleetmate HENRY FORD II, were the first large Great Lakes bulk carriers built with diesel propulsion and were equipped with all-electrical systems including electrically powered winches, steering, heaters, and stove. Even though the HENRY II was launched first, the BENSON sailed first because a tornado at Lorain, OH caused damages, which delayed the HENRY II’s maiden voyage. The BENSON FORD’s (1) maiden voyage was on August 2, 1924 with coal from Toledo, OH to Duluth, MN and returned with iron ore to the Ford Rouge Plant at Dearborn. In 1952-53 a new tank top and side tanks were installed. New tonnage: 8170 GRT, 5196 NRT, 12,900 dwt. On June 12, 1959 the BENSON ran aground in the Amherstburg Channel of the Detroit River on her upbound trip with coal for the Rouge Plant. After five days of lightering and with tug assistance, she was freed. Damages amounted to 41 bottom plates, which took 30 days to repair. That same year on August 16, 1959 the BENSON grounded in the St. Marys River. She was dry docked to replace 11 bottom plates. A bow thruster was installed in 1963 at Superior, WI. Between the 1967-68 seasons the Ford fleet stacks were changed from buff colored with a black band to Ford Blue with the elliptical Ford logo. A self-contained sanitary system was installed on board over the winter of 1970-71 at the Ford Rouge slip. This was done in compliance with the Michigan Pollution Act of 1970, which became effective January 1, 1971, prohibiting the discharge of untreated sewage into the Great Lakes. A pump-out station was installed at the Rouge to service the Ford boats. The BENSON FORD (1) was laid up for the last time at the Ford Rouge plant in December, 1981. The BENSON was renamed b) JOHN DYKSTRA (2) during the winter of 1982-83 to release her name for

Benson Ford being launched [Ford Motor Company]

345A Complete History of Each Hull Built by the Shipyard

another Ford fleet boat. She was towed from the Rouge River June 23, 1983 and tied up at the old Semet Solvay dock on the Detroit River where her engine was removed and was stripped of salvageable equipment. She had been sold to Frank J. Sullivan of Sullivan Marine, Cleveland, OH for intended use as a barge. The DYKSTRA never sailed under her new name nor for the new owner. She arrived in tow at Cleveland December 21, 1984 and was tied up at the Ontario Stone No. 4 dock on the Cuyahoga River. The entire forward superstructure of the DYKSTRA, including the forecastle deck, was removed at Cleveland, July 2, 1986 for use as a summer home on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island where it remains. The cabin was delivered to the Island July 18th on the barge THOR 101 towed by the tug GREGORY J. BUSCH. The hull of the DYKSTRA was sold to Marine Salvage, Port Colborne, ON and was towed from Cleveland July 10th to Ramey’s Bend arriving there on July 12, 1986 where she was scrapped.

Benson Ford upbound at the Soo

[SMMC]

Benson Ford on Lake St. Clair 1958

[SM]

346 The Vessels

Benson Ford Pilothouse as a summer home on

South Bass Island 08/24/2005 [MN]

Benson Ford on the Detroit River 09/1967

[SM]

John Dykstra laid up at the old Semet Solvay dock on the

Detroit River 06/26/1983 [JJ]