Would you like a ride on the S.S. Minnow? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 07-31-2008, 04:15 PM

Ever wanted to take a three-hour tour aboard the S.S. Minnow with the professor or Mary Ann?

Fans of the old Gilligan's Island TV show may get that chance, thanks to Ken Schley.

The boat made famous for running aground on the shore of an uncharted desert isle in the classic 1960s comedy is now owned by Schley, one of the owners of the Quality Foods grocery chain.

The S.S. Minnow was in Departure Bay on Sunday, monitoring competitors in the Great International Bathtub Race as they hit the beach.

Schley recently bought the boat, which was tied up in Schooner Cove next to his mooring dock, from Parksville's Scotty Taylor. The vessel is now undergoing repairs and renovations to bring it back to its original 1960s shape.

Dianna Rivard, Schley's assistant, said he intends to use the boat for promotions for Quality Foods and plans are underway to bring Gilligan's Island legends Mary Ann (Dawn Wells) and the professor (Russell Johnson) to Vancouver Island as part of a promotional tour.

The S.S. Minnow has been in local waters for the last 12 years.

While Taylor was travelling to Hardwick Island in 1996, he noticed that a crew was pulling a capsized boat out of the water.

A storm had swept through the area and the American that owned the boat piloted the vessel into a reef. It was underwater for three days before it was towed out of the depths.

The American sold the boat to Taylor, who didn't know at the time of its famous history, for $3,500.

After Taylor bought the boat (then called the Bluejacket) he checked the vessel's identification numbers and found it was purchased in 1964 for the second season of Gilligan's Island.

It took Taylor two years and nearly $150,000 to restore it and he changed its name back to the S.S. Minnow. Schley's purchase price was not revealed.

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/ne...1-646fb99c9a9e

gilligan fanatic · 08-10-2008, 03:41 PM

Sounds like a lot of fun!

Schmoopie · 08-10-2008, 09:35 PM

Very cool! Although I'm sure some people may be a bit leary about taking a "three hour tour" on the Minnow!

catlover79 · 08-10-2008, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

Very cool! Although I'm sure some people may be a bit leary about taking a "three hour tour" on the Minnow!

I know I am!!

mrs.gingerhinkley · 08-12-2008, 10:26 AM

^Yeah, but if you could get stuck with 7 people as cool as the original castaways, why not!

catlover79 · 08-12-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs.gingerhinkley

^Yeah, but if you could get stuck with 7 people as cool as the original castaways, why not!

Well, you've got a point there.

I just have a fear of boats and large bodies of water.

mrs.gingerhinkley · 08-12-2008, 12:04 PM

I understand, but having both a love for the show and a love of boats, sailing, islands, and the idea of being shipwrecked on an island, I would love to take a ride! Although I have a feeling I would find being shipwrecked less romantic and glamorous than I do now, sitting at the comfort of my computer desk. ;-)

catlover79 · 08-12-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs.gingerhinkley

I understand, but having both a love for the show and a love of boats, sailing, islands, and the idea of being shipwrecked on an island, I would love to take a ride! Although I have a feeling I would find being shipwrecked less romantic and glamorous than I do now, sitting at the comfort of my computer desk. ;-)

Unless the Professor was right by your side...

mrs.gingerhinkley · 08-12-2008, 02:34 PM

Well, that of course is already assumed...

catlover79 · 08-12-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs.gingerhinkley

Well, that of course is already assumed...

07-31-2008, 04:15 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Would you like a ride on the S.S. Minnow? Ever wanted to take a three-hour tour aboard the S.S. Minnow with the professor or Mary Ann? Fans of the old Gilligan's Island TV show may get that chance, thanks to Ken Schley. The boat made famous for running aground on the shore of an uncharted desert isle in the classic 1960s comedy is now owned by Schley, one of the owners of the Quality Foods grocery chain. The S.S. Minnow was in Departure Bay on Sunday, monitoring competitors in the Great International Bathtub Race as they hit the beach. Schley recently bought the boat, which was tied up in Schooner Cove next to his mooring dock, from Parksville's Scotty Taylor. The vessel is now undergoing repairs and renovations to bring it back to its original 1960s shape. Dianna Rivard, Schley's assistant, said he intends to use the boat for promotions for Quality Foods and plans are underway to bring Gilligan's Island legends Mary Ann (Dawn Wells) and the professor (Russell Johnson) to Vancouver Island as part of a promotional tour. The S.S. Minnow has been in local waters for the last 12 years. While Taylor was travelling to Hardwick Island in 1996, he noticed that a crew was pulling a capsized boat out of the water. A storm had swept through the area and the American that owned the boat piloted the vessel into a reef. It was underwater for three days before it was towed out of the depths. The American sold the boat to Taylor, who didn't know at the time of its famous history, for $3,500. After Taylor bought the boat (then called the Bluejacket) he checked the vessel's identification numbers and found it was purchased in 1964 for the second season of Gilligan's Island. It took Taylor two years and nearly $150,000 to restore it and he changed its name back to the S.S. Minnow. Schley's purchase price was not revealed. http://www.canada.com/theprovince/ne...1-646fb99c9a9e
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

08-10-2008, 03:41 PM	#2
gilligan fanatic Born to Be Bad Forum Fanatic Join Date: May 06, 2001 Location: down by the Lagoon Posts: 9,954	Sounds like a lot of fun!
	__________________ Matt Filmaf ~ Twitter ~ Last.FM

08-10-2008, 09:35 PM	#3
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	Very cool! Although I'm sure some people may be a bit leary about taking a "three hour tour" on the Minnow!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

08-12-2008, 10:26 AM	#5
mrs.gingerhinkley Bette Davis Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,478	^Yeah, but if you could get stuck with 7 people as cool as the original castaways, why not!
	__________________ Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. -Edgar Allen Poe God Bless Our Troops

08-12-2008, 12:04 PM	#7
mrs.gingerhinkley Bette Davis Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,478	I understand, but having both a love for the show and a love of boats, sailing, islands, and the idea of being shipwrecked on an island, I would love to take a ride! Although I have a feeling I would find being shipwrecked less romantic and glamorous than I do now, sitting at the comfort of my computer desk. ;-)

08-12-2008, 02:34 PM	#9
mrs.gingerhinkley Bette Davis Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,478	Well, that of course is already assumed...