Indy 7

History: The Indy 7 was built on January 1964 in Bellingham, WA for the United States Navy. She would be paired up later that year with her mother ship, the Brooklyn Navy Yard built USS Independence (CV-62) aircraft carrier. As a Navy launch and utility boat for the “fighting Indy” she plied waters and harbors all around the world supporting the air craft carrier’s crew and operations. Indy’s primary responsibilities were to ferry crew and supplies from ship to ship or ship to shore, and to provide logistical support and security on the Independence hull perimeter. Indy was one of 12 Motor launches supporting the vessel.
The Indy was retired in the late 1980s and was acquired by Hudson River Cruises in Kingston, NY. She received her first certification by the USCG in 1992. The cruise line provided hourly tours to the Kingston light house for many years. The Indy was also a fixture at the Clearwater Revival serving as the primary ferry vessel to Clearwater and other visiting vessels on Croton Point. The Indy was sold to a long-time Pioneer and Clearwater, Captain Donald Taube. Don worked tirelessly with a group of supporters to keep Indy running in NYC. He unfortunately, passed away later that year and the vessel remained in limbo at the South Street Seaport Museum. It was decided by his daughter Jessica and Don’s fellow supporters, to donate the Indy to The New York Harbor School.
Three years later Indy 7 was running and The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School had moved on Governors Island! The Indy 7 was the first official vessel for the UANYHS. She serves as training vessel for marine technology classes in boat handling, docking, navigation and engine maintenance. In addition, classes outside of marine tech will utilize the vessel for: harbor tours, diving expeditions, art classes, additional ferry service to and from Governors Island and points throughout NY Harbor.

SPECS

Length: 41 feet

Beam: 11 feet

Draft: 3.5 feet

USCG Certification: T-Boat Small Passenger Vessel

Passenger Capacity: 38 plus 2 crew

Engine Make/Model/Size: 6-71 Grey Marine, 180 Horsepower

Year Built: 1964