So what do you do after the kids are grown and gone from home? Sam and Judy Haigh had an unusual idea. They weren't just going to become liveaboards. Anyone can do that. No, the couple decided to buy a retired military vessel—a 1953 Army T-boat—and restore it as their own home-sweet-home.
At least that was the plan.
When the couple first decided they wanted to move out of their land-based digs in Norwalk, Conn., they began their search for a boat with a conservative vision. They figured they'd wind up living on a William Hand motorsailer, a wooden trawler, or perhaps a Hatteras in the 56-foot range.
Sam HaighUnder way with a boatload of eager guests.
It was Sam's cousin Jack, a yacht broker, who spotted a T-boat in a South Bay, NY boatyard. There were 110 steel T-boats built in the US between 1951 and 1953. At the time, the vessels were to be used for personnel transports, light tow duty, and limited firefighting. But the Korean War ended while many of the boat were still under construction, causing most to be mothballed once they were completed. While some saw military service, others were sent to universities and other institutions.
Intrigued, by the vessel, Sam's cousin suggested they come take a look. The boat had spunk and seemed to fit all the Haighs' needs: large living spaces, particularly when it came to sleeping quarters, a boat that was comfortable enough for year-round living with air conditioning and heat and a vessel that required a minimal amount of maintenance. Mostly it had character. While an offer was made, the deal quickly fell through. What did not die, however, was the Haighs' desire to own a T-Boat.
It was while Sam was returning home from work on the evening train, flipping through an old copy of Boats and Harbors magazine, that he spotted a classified ad: " 65' 1953 Army T-Boat for sale. For more information please call..."
Soon the Haighs were on their way to an Army depot in Charleston, SC. It was there that they met The General.
THE GENERAL
At 65-feet in length and weighing in at a hefty 100 tons of solid steel, the vessel was an impressive piece of real estate. Built by the Missouri Valley Steel Company nearly 60 years ago, she was originally designed for the U.S. Army to serve as a cargo carrier and light towing boat.
Once retired, she was sailed to Charleston, where she remained untouched for 38 years. For two decades she was kept in a self-contained enclosure that protected her from humidity and salt. Later she was dry-docked.
In 1991, the government put the T-boat up for sale and she was purchased by a man, who, in his 70s, had underestimated the time and money it would take to restore her. She was returned to the auction block where the Haighs acquired her in1992 for $25,000.
