Exploring an ABANDONED dredge from 1952

Today I got permission to explore an abandoned barge at a marina. Lets take a look at how every part of this barge was built BY HAND out of old car parts from the 1920s and 30s and how it would have functioned when it was in use less than 20 years ago!

[@carolynmcclure7678]

Hey my husband’s grandfather John Lord, built this very dredge believe it or not! He did the very thing you said he built it out of things he had! He started a company Davenport and Lord which is still in business today being run by third generation of the family. So good to see your appreciation of Pop Pops abilities

[@moester3224]

So cool love the business is still around if I ever move to that part of the country I would definitely want to see if I can get a job with them

[@willkeating461]

That’s unreal

[@russellfredrick6519]

Looks like a Detroit 4-71 engine.

[@tomballesteros4673]

So is this a gold dredge ?

[@leejohnson6173]

​@@tomballesteros4673did you even watch the video..obviously not...its not a gold dredge...

[@hardluckpaintworks5475]

For such a young dude to appreciate the work people used there hands for you give me hope for the generations to come. Need more young guys like yourself 💪

[@scottbraxton1517]

I told you Luke you're an anomaly and myself and others like me appreciate you as you have the enthusiasm and drive of my generation. If I could I would retire just to crab with ya - all the best.

[@charleslord9347]

This is very cool!! My grandfather built that dredge and my dad who is now 80 has many hours of operating it under his belt as a young man. I’ve been sending him your videos and he loves to see his dad getting kudos for his hard work and ingenuity!

[@VIARailFan6448]

Any photos anywhere???

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thats great i really appriciate his hard work! im so glad hes enjoying them!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

@@VIARailFan6448 on my instagram! Luke_mcfad

[@stevelord8662]

Hey cousin. My sister told me about this vide, really cool. There are pictures somewhere, I remember seeing them when I was a kid. I believe they were on slides that you had to show with a projector.

[@charleslord9347]

Stevie! We should get together and check them out! Long time no see!

[@surfin90]

This is so sick man!!! Only certain individuals will truly appreciate how amazing this is but you put so much effort and energy into it that even a casual viewer could enjoy watching! Awesome stuff man keep em coming!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

I agree! thanks for watching!

[@birdsducks1557]

My grandfather built this dredge. My dad and uncles used it for the business for years. I crabbed from it back in the 70s.

[@bjkgaffmaster]

I have been fishing out of Cape May since the late 70’s. Recognize the marina and dredge you are checking out. There was SO MUCH Maritime history down there back then you would have been like a kid in a candy shop. Lots and lots of wooden vessels some in pristine condition and some starting to fall into disrepair. There were several marinas that had tugs, dredges and tow boats in the slips in working conditions that were built around the time when this dredge was built and used in and around Cape May and the waterways in the ICW, ocean and up the bay. I remember helping quite a few guys repacking tar and oakum in the spring on the old wooden ships. Some of the marinas had true classics. Lots of lapstrakes, dead rise boats and of course LOT of metal fishing boats. Cape May has always been a town that harbored, repaired and utilized many of these type vessels over the years. It to bad that someone can not try to get or form an organization to restore these historic maritime treasures…..like you said things like this dredge usually end up getting scrapped for metal, engines and just cut up and put in dumpsters……very sad to see it happen. Good luck with your new FV I just found your channel and subscribed. I will look forward to your channels new videos.

[@fvsoutherngirl]

I woukld love to see more of those boats! Thanks for watching ill be keeping my eyes out for more cool boats!

[@kuzadupa185]

Your genuine joy and excitement and interest in American industry, back when we built stuff, gives me hope. I hope you never lose that feeling!

[@derekdyer5945]

Luke you have awesome passion don’t ever lose that! Keep educating us about the ways of the waterman!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

I def get into it! thanks for watching!

[@vinceoshea8449]

Great video! A lot of history in those Detroit '71' Series engines. 71 stood for cubic inches per cylinder. They were introduced in 1938 in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 cylinder inline models. V- blocks didn't come along until 1957. A lot of 4-71s went into city buses. Nearly all the 36 foot plywood landing craft built by the Higgins Boat Company during WW2 were powered by 6-71s. After the war a lot of those boats and engines (surplus) found their way into commercial fishing fleets. Those "up and down things" on your dredge are called spuds. They help hold the dredge in place...cables run out and forward of the dredge attached to anchors or the shore. Pulling in and letting out of the cable with the winches, and pivoting on the spuds allows the dredge to work back and forth and 'walk' forward. Good for you to have the interest and to take the time to look at an interesting and important piece of nautical history and share it with others! Thank you.

[@bjkgaffmaster]

6-71 NA were the workhorse of the navy and marine industry for many many years. I worked on a couple of charter boats that had 10,000+ hours on them…great engines just a little noisy and oily with some blowby until warmed up. Normally very easy to work on and lots of parts were available almost everywhere in the US.

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thank you for the insight im always wanting to learn more!

[@vinceoshea8449]

@@bjkgaffmaster I saw one with close to 15,000. Normally would have been rebuilt before then but were being replaced with turbo 6-71s. Lube oil analysis was good up to the day they were pulled. As you know, cylinder liners made in place rebuilds simple and cost effective. Long time jimmy owners have either a jimmy hat or a set of hearing aids. Most have both.

[@garyakashadow596]

Luke I love your thirst for knowledge, your can do attitude and your appreciation for the mariners that came before you! It's refreshing to see a young man your age with the work ethic you possess. I was taught by my father starting at a young age to use common sense and the things I had around me to build, repair and maintain things that I had a use for out of necessity. He inherited a drilling company from his father as had his father from his father. The rig they had when my father was young, both pre and post WWII, was made out of wood, including the frame as well as the derrick. Thankfully in the mid to late 70s when I went to work for him that wooden cable tool spudder was long gone. The skills he taught me so long ago I still employ nearly every day. I'm in my mid 60s now and retired but I keep myself busy still, re-purposing things and building things to make my life easier. So glad that KZbin's algorithm popped up one of your videos for me to watch. Keep 'em coming, I'm vicariously reliving my late teens and early 20s through watching your videos and they ways you engineer things on your boat to keep her working so can keep building your business. I can envision you owning your own fleet of crab boats in the next decade. If you are so inclined. You have the enthusiasm and zest for success needed to bring that to fruition. That said, I'll keep watching if it's you and one boat or a dozen. ❤❤ ❤❤❤ Party on!

[@fastback57deloach27]

You’re insightfulness is really convincing and I’ve learned to love and appreciate this masterpiece of the industrial age. It would be amazing to see this vessel in action! Thanks Luke!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

I would love to see that as well! Thanks for watching

[@wyliestilwell2805]

Son you are one of a very few intelligent people on the Internet you never cease to amaze I have had many laughs watching you in your day to day life's experiences' thank you keep it up !

[@stevelord8662]

This is really cool, my sister called me to me our grandfathers dredge was on a youtube. I remember helping to paint the bottom with a copper paint to protect the bottom.

[@late0404]

Man this is sick. Reminds me of real Americans. My great grandfather was a chaterboat captain on the bay he kept his dead rise in Deal. I’m only 27 but like you I am also drawn to the old times and old equipment and boats. It awesome seeing someone from my home town so the things you are doing way to go man!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thats great man were cut from the same cloth!

[@wallydyer5561]

You are a very rare breed of person and I think that you will go a long way in life . Love your videos too by the way .

[@gregwhite7957]

That thing should be in a museum somewhere. Doesn’t matter what it looks, it’s the history behind it that is fascinating. Reading the comments it’s pretty cool that that the folks who built this dredge are still in business being run by family.

[@dsberube]

I love everything about this video. Your excitement is contagious. I appreciate your love of ingenuity and hard work. You’re a very unique person in todays world. I hope you gather a great team around so you can lead your generation forward. The world needs more people like you at your age. Keep making these great videos. They are great

[@haroldwilliams4183]

I used to work on the VMC Vulcan about 20 years ago and learned alot of good knowledge on how those work. I wouldn't trade it for anything I've ever done.We were digging sand and gravel in the Tennessee River. Wish I could go back and do it all over again.

[@mikkimichele51014]

That was so cool !!! Thank you for letting us come along. We would never be able to have seen this AMAZING work of history!!!! Keep filming we'll keep watching

[@dannyjones3840]

Luke, I definitely appreciate your love of history brother. I'm restoring a 1968 Hatteras 34, and she's got 2 Detroit 4-53t's to power her. And those piles that get driven down to hold the barge still are called spuds. Yeah, they use "potatoes" for anchors lol

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Haha! thats great. should be a nice boat when shes done,

[@gregjohnson9051]

I love your enthusiasm

[@selsyn73]

I appreciate your joy about this mechanical wonder! It is truly a testament to the ingenuity of hard working men that had the courage to make it happen. Whatever it took.

[@fvsoutherngirl]

I know right!

[@newdoggproductions]

man, that truly is a gem, thank you for sharing it with us, and thank you to the owners for allowing you to explore her and share her with us.

[@Ingveyisnthome]

Wow, thanks so much for taking us on that ride. I'm looking at this old dredge amazing amazing thank you

[@stevenleitzel156]

That's awesome so much history there i love to see stuff like this 😊

[@bigpaul7085]

You see things like I do and can appreciate the hardships of American ingenuity back in the day ! Love it ! I always think, I wonder if I got this back to working again would there be a need to put it back to work again ? LOL !

[@Halfstep2024]

When I see things like that I just like imagining how many peoples kids that boat put through college and helped get them off to a good start in life. Back when going to college was still a worthwhile endeavor and meant something.

[@ellelyn2000]

Really enjoyed and appreciated this episode of a Great American Dredge and some of its history, thanks Luke

[@michaelwitt7879]

Historical boating lesson!! Love it keep these videos coming!!♥️

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Can do!

[@ZZ-kn1py]

Your enthusiasm and attitude as a 26 year old is impressive and refreshing to see. Your on the right path and I’m 40

[@FLbarrelracer]

Freaking awesome video and narrative. Love your passion for the old stuff and the crazy engineering and thought that went into our historical vessels.

[@fvsoutherngirl]

I thinks its the coolest thing!

[@davidfisher4470]

That is a cool barg . I like the look of old stuff it interesting to see how it made.

[@taylorlengyel]

That is totally awesome, the Marina should put that out by the road as a display!

[@DM-pe2iy]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing. I love this kind of stuff. My family made their own boat cradles and railways. They even made their own 4 wheel drives for the beach before 4x4s were invented. I share the same pinion I look past the ugly modern yachts, this old stuff way more interesting to me.

[@deniseulmer642]

I like this kind of stuff too. I really like how everything was hand-made out of scrap . Also the pipeline run on the outside to cool the coolant was awesome. I think I would reuse or salvage the round beveled port hole windows.

[@josephjordan1630]

Need more videos like this! I’ve been watching you since around 40,000 subscribers man you’ve come a long way and you’ve got a lot more ahead of you. Love your videos 🙌 and damn didn’t know you’re 26, that’s the same age as me haha

[@timbeers999]

That’s is awesome we need that in America hard work 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@gradybrowning3976]

Love that kind of stuff too!

[@brandywineangler6748]

Very cool that you took time to share the beauty and ingenuity in this vessel. Awesome stuff.

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@rshock]

Nice! I worked on Detroit Diesels in the Navy. Love it, brings back memories. Thank you for posting

[@jimratliff2753]

Definitely relic and definitely a badass. Another great narration and think of a hard work but went into that rascal.

[@James-yp5dn]

I've recently found your channel and was wondering how old you were?? When you said you're 26 it made me think 💬 🤔 you have an old soul.i I love the mindset that you have! It's rare in today's world, keep up the hard work you are going be successful 👍👍

[@hearsejr]

That would mskke a hell of a neat sea shack house boat. 453 detroit. My dad was the master when it came to Detroits. He worked on logging equipment, and he could build a 353 or 453 in his carport. The oil stained my hands so bad on weekends come monday morning in school the teacher would make me try and wash my hands again. Lol. I miss helping dad work on them. He passed away several years ago but everytime I see one of these engines it brings back a flood of memories.

[@bobcatmike9285]

I think this video is awesome because it shows something you’ll never be able to see anywhere else homebrewed ingenuity is always the best

[@fvsoutherngirl]

I agree!

[@barryphares4127]

You are like me. I learned from my grandfathers and uncles how to use what you have on hand to fix just about everything. My grandpa took a combine out of the junk yard and got it running and made a huge snow blower out of it. It's just how you did things many years ago.

[@simsjef]

Loved this episode.

[@coyroberts8356]

56 years old so cool to see you this excited about this!!!

[@janryhal6472]

I really enjoyed this thank you

[@jeffreygeorge219]

That would be an awesome retirement project, have a few kids, retire in 15/20 years, and make it happen with the kids. All she needs is a power wash, a coat of paint and some TLC. I love it

[@DaydreamAboutNiceThings]

That is a really cool piece of old school American hard work !! Thanks for sharing !

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thanks for watching!

[@theroadnottaken9378]

Luke, congrats. on upcoming 500k subs.

[@deeannasmith4917]

Thanks for history you give on the bay. And your knowledge of the watermen making a living.

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thank you for careing

[@chuckthomas8176]

Luv it . Young man . Nice to see someone appreciate those steps of others shoes we walk on

[@95SLE]

"Lawn Art" great video. Learned a lot about a tool that is still needed today. Bet it was noisy down in the hold.

[@HillBilly1905]

I work an industry that’s got old equipment still in use today. Oil industry is pretty awesome

[@MoneyPitBoating]

We’d love one of these things!

[@macattack1392]

It is very cool. I love the automotive side of old things. But u nailed it. Its all throw away now & buy then fix. Ya there is times its cheaper to buy the repair but its out of hand.

[@ajcz]

If you think the old dredges are cool there is a company in Baltimore that still makes dredges similar to this except out of steel, You should try to talk to them and go on a tour. Its called Ellicott dredges, they've been making dredges since like 1890 its a pretty cool place with a ton of history

[@briancriggs2199]

Thanks for the tour of the dredger that was awesome!!!

[@Chris-Singer]

Hey man all the way up in Yorkton Sask Canada. Like your channel and content keep it up bro.

[@sparksmobilerepair4025]

Stuff like that is sooo dam cool! Back in simpler times man where you could make truly amazing machines to do crazy jobs like that. Super cool

[@curthazlett595]

Pretty cool I like your channel! a two stroke Detroit can’t be n/a there is a blower bolted to the side of the engine so it’s supercharged. They can be turbocharged also.

[@markwiebner7806]

That's really cool! Great Channel.

[@pete.marshman]

Run what ya brung. American ingenuity

[@fvsoutherngirl]

You got that right!

[@19211926]

That thing is really cool!!

[@kuzadupa185]

It blows my mind, in blue collar work, in the sea food industry and even trucking, HOW OLD AND HOW LONG THE ENGINES LASTED! not only were they built well but the people around them KNEW how to maintain

[@johnweatherford5760]

Luke this would be the ultimate Will it Start video. Very cool old dredge boat.

[@brankohodzic]

Love how your mind works Luke! ⚓Fun tour!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thanks for watching buddy!

[@charleswallace2080]

Old techkowledge like this draws my attention also. I like the way you think but you don't sound like a twenty six year old guy. You have wisdom that is way beyond most men of your age today.

[@moparnut91]

That's a beautiful piece of American history right there❤

[@jjthekilllalandrum943]

The big steel shafts that drive into the mud to hold the boat in place are called spuds or spud poles.

[@Sam-blackwidow7329]

that would make a cool side road chilli dog stand or something in that nature

[@tierrasenora]

Thanks for taking us on your adventures!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@debbiecoleman6737]

Thanks for sharing great video of history of this boat!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thanks for watching!

[@LogoLowgee]

The whirly thing is used to get fresh air into the shop, sort of early air conditioning

[@dave64340]

I’m not mechanical in any way but Luke makes it interesting to the basic onlooker.

[@davidmcneil6198]

Amazing young man keep up the good work

[@LogoLowgee]

I'm amidst twice your age, what you do is what how we rolled in our teens working on our cars

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That copper pipe external cooling system is wild!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

very old school!

[@keithanderson2079]

I'm with ya, love that thing!

[@silaspbaker]

wouldn't it be cool to build a new hull and transfer as much of the hardware and running gear from this over to the new boat? It would be a great way to keep the legacy of this workhorse alive.

[@jimmywalden1615]

I'm 22 and live on the bay not a watermen but I have a lot of respect for all of you but I right there with you something breaks I fixing it with what on hand nothing is impossible to fix just depends on your determination

[@COPPER71]

Luke I love your passion in describing all of this. I can tell that you are 100% legit in love with that piece of American ingenuity. I'm right there with you I wish my father was still around because he used to make things work that hadn't worked in millenia

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Hey nice to see you on here! thats awesome!

[@COPPER71]

@@fvsoutherngirl I've had two KZbin channels over the years My first one was deleted by the x and the one I have now I think was started in 2009 It's good to see you on here too

[@EyeCanShootFL]

Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@mshomeimprovement7161]

That is awesome we where raised the same way fix it with wat you have

[@fvsoutherngirl]

exactly

[@coyroberts8356]

So cool thanks 😊

[@DM-pe2iy]

Hey Luke, you and Mike Rowe should do a show together. Exploring historic work sites and equipment. Make America great again by showing the current generation how sh*t got done. When mend actually had to work. Before the time of mental health days before Osha and choking regulations.

[@motaman8074]

Great idea

[@alanboyer8018]

Excellent video youngster. Love that old school ingenuity on this classic American built with what ya got approach 🇺🇸

[@brianshields7137]

Hi mate the piles as you called them are called spuds that aren't there the towers at the stern are the spud gantry and yes it would still work some good okum and pitch and tar to seal the decks a good motorman to service the gear and maybe even a coat of paint and the livery on the funnel

[@coyroberts8356]

So cool!

[@mikelorenzetto3128]

I appreciate the way you think

[@ericfan1223]

my bros from MD. hahaha dude I cant wait to ride up and grab some crabs! See me in the Black Supra!

[@davidbroadwell2863]

I would have definitely tried to understand that thing as well cheers from Arkansas

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thanks for watching!

[@marshabrown8337]

Fascinating? Don't miss Carolyn McClure's comment below for info on the builder of the magnificent dredge, Mr. John Lord. God bless and adventure on.

[@speedmachine69]

Imagine how many beers were consumed on that thing during its history!

[@ferraro101tv]

This is awesome ... True American industry

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnvanherpt1710]

Well said, great show 10:32

[@augusthanson669]

Bro would like to see more stuff like the oyster company and maybe crabbing company. I see people are making major bucks on fishing videos diving and bro with you people love you man including myself. Would love to see you just meeting people man like that part that you went to get for the boat when you met all those cool people man. That would have made a hell of a video man. Just stuff like that man. Everyday crabbing is a little boring but meeting people and stuff would be great. Thanks man for everything. And keep them coming brother we love you bro!!

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Thanks for watching! ill have more to come! i have alot of that stuff on my tiktok and instagram page!

[@stevemason4198]

Looks like something you and Garrett would buy

[@fvsoutherngirl]

Hahaha! it does

[@timrudy4359]

Check out Roseman’s marine railway down the street from there at Utschs. You will be impressed with how old school they still service million dollar sport fishers.

[@fvsoutherngirl]

That would be awesome to see!

[@bjkgaffmaster]

My brother in law owned Cape May Marine right next to Rosemans. Was previously Pharos Marina before his family purchased it. Utschs Marina is closer to the big bridge coming into the marina area. My father had his boat there in the late 70s-80s and I kept my boat there in the 80’s -90’s.Rosemans marine has LONG history in Cape May. Saw many many repairs on all sorts of marine crafts there. They had a rail system to yank boats out of the water. Was usual,y a quick in and out repair since they had limited land storage at their property. Did engine, wood, glass, aluminum and steel vessels repairs. A lot of the smaller commercial guys used them for repairs.

[@shawnkelley9169]

It is quite interesting