At 77 years old the Fintry Queen has seen a lot sailing up and down Okanagan Lake, and its current owner is hoping that a prospective buyer will see what he sees in the iconic ship.
The Fintry Queen is for sale at $550,000. Andy Schwab purchased the ship in 2012 and since then he has tried to convince investors and Okanagan communities that it could be a huge tourist draw.
“Our vision is to provide a transportation link between the communities of Penticton, Naramata and Summerland, to access the parks, wineries and resorts situated along the shoreline as these great ships once did over a century ago, Schwab told the Capital News in 2018.
READ MORE: Fintry Queen sternwheeler attraction proposed for Summerland
READ MORE: Fifty years of the Fintry Queen
The Fintry Queen was originally called the MV Lequime and was launched in 1948. It was one of three former car ferries that shuttled across the lake between Kelowna and the Westside.
In 1968, it was modified to resemble an old sternwheeler, rechristened the MV Fintry and operated from the downtown lakeshore carrying more than 30,000 passengers annually for more than 40 years as a tourist attraction.
According to the Fintry Queen website approximately $800,000 was spent on retrofitting the ship between 2004 and 2008.
The work included replacement of all the wiring, switches, electrical panels and fire control systems. The generators and main engines were rebuilt along with new stainless steel shafts and bronze propellers.
The wheelhouse has not changed since the ship was built in 1948. The Fintry Queen ceased operation in 2012 has been anchored at the north end of the lake since for the past several years.
At more than 150 feet long, the ship can carry up to 325 passenger. It has sheltered and outdoor decks, a galley, lounge, dining room and a dance floor.
The Fintry Queen is listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
READ MORE: 2 injured in suspected road rage incident in Kelowna
READ MORE: Kelowna woman pleads guilty to 2020 Black Mountain death