The tugboat, which starred in a 1991 movie, could be be sunk as a reef. (Don Sutherland)

Dear Preservation 911,

The Hay-De, a tugboat docked in Staten Island, N.Y., is in imminent danger of being sunk as a reef. Hay-De starred, along with Bruce Willis, in the final scene of the 1991 movie "Billy Bathgate." The boat was built as New York Central 13 in 1887 by the John Dialogue Co. of Camden, N.J. Its riveted iron hull is one of about a half-dozen surviving Dialogue hulls. The boat's engine was dieselized in the 1950s and still works. Although the boat floats without leaking, the midsection of the deck house was removed in 1980.

Hay-De is currently owned by an active tugboat company, Kosnac Floating Derrick Co., which can no longer afford the insurance, dockage fees, and upkeep costs. Kosnac can make $7,000 for sinking the boat as a reef but would rather turn it over to someone for restoration. The boat was supposed to have been sunk last December, but became the centerpiece of an article ("Save the Tugs") in February's Marine News magazine. Although the article was well-received, a purchaser did not turn up, and the new deadline for sinking is July.

 

The Hay-De in 1980, before its midsection was removed. (Don Sutherland)

As a Dialogue-built boat with a riveted hull in decent condition, old NYC 13 has a lot going for it, not the least of which is the robust tugboat construction that keeps it floating after 113 years. But the future of this splendid vessel is grim.

This is a grand, rare boat, and we need it more than the fish do.

Best regards,
Don Sutherland