With a Canadian hull, this boat for all practical purposes cannot engage in US seagoing commerce.

Originally built in Montreal (?), Canada in 1938 as a passenger-freighter.  In the 1970’s the boat underwent a multimillion $ conversion to a Research Vessel.  This was done at Newport News shipyard in VA.  It was then maintained at that application to highest and strictest government standards until retirement.  Deep Sea Ventures Inc did the on-going oceanographic work under government contract in both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.  This vessel has seen it all. 

Prospector was retired probably in about the 80’s.  At this point Deep Sea Ventures had gone into bankruptcy, and this RV was sold out of that bankruptcy.  It has been stored on the Columbia River (freshwater) since that time.

Prospector was built of welded steel.  We believe the steel plate to be ½” bottom and 3/8” side panels.  Deep sea Inc had a rotating maintenance program that called for replacing the entire bottom over a period of years which had been mostly carried out prior to retirement.  The hull at Newport news had a product similar to galvanizing applied to the entire exterior hull. 

There are lots of Hardwoods and Bronze fittings throughout the vessel. 

The vessel has a fabulous bridge wing setup as part of its Bridge operations. There are 2 clearview screens in addition to an otherwise excellent visibility environment.  Captains quarters are directly aft of the Bridge.  On the bridge deck level there are quarters for 2 people with fully equipped head.  The boat as currently configured sleeps 15.

Behind the bridge is a large deck with supports for sunscreen, overhead supports for canvassing etc. 

Main deck has engineers and 2^nd engineers single quarters.  There are then 4 more double staterooms. And 2 shower setups and toilets. One of  them is setup for “import” with holding tank and one is set up for at sea discharge (directly overboard).  

Then another very large deck aft of these cabin arrangements extending to over the fantail.

In this area is a 5-ton hand operated (needs to be converted to power) cargo boom. There is a hydraulic capstain with anchoring capability.

Then going down a half level we reach the cargo hold entrance area.  There is also here a single hydraulic 5-ton cargo boom (been working recently) and  a heavy submarine lifting boom (electric) approx 20 ton.  A section of the bulwarks is hinged to allow lifting a small submarine onto the main deck.

Forward is the ships supply gear locker.

Up one level is the anchor handling area (no anchor equipment included in this sale).

Lower Deck.  There we have the electronic supply for oceanographic work and a very large work room.  Aft is the galley.  There is very spacious room. Starboard is the dining room.

Aft is 2 more double staterooms. 

Aft is the hydraulic steering and battery room. 

There is florescent lighting throughout the boat. Heating and air conditioning ducts to some staterooms plus to other large congregation areas.

This area also contains the main mg (dc driving ac generator) — an all electric motor setup.  This system was operational last used 3 years ago. Workbench and cupboards etc also in this area.

The vessel is in desperate need of a paint job (internal and external).