Under Gerr's supervision, the empty cargo hold evolved into a master stateroom, with the addition of walls, a ceiling, floors, cabinets and a full bath and head. Original crew quarters were stripped of their bunks and cabinets, as well as a stove and refrigerator, and turned into an attractive guest stateroom, also equipped with a private shower and head.

It was Gerr's suggestion that the wheelhouse should be relocated just above its current location with a subtle addition of a double bunk hidden within. The empty space where the wheelhouse had once stood was then converted into a full, working galley.

Among the other additions were a wood burning stove, a warm wood interior, wainscoting paneling, white ceiling boards, varnished wooden cabinetry, an oroko teak cabin sole, and finished aft deck.

And then there were the unexpected extras. During the renovation, a Paul Luke crafted stove was found, as well as the original wood-spoke captain's wheel, a WW II vintage binnacle made by the Lionel Company, and a water cannon for putting out fires at the rate of 500 gallons per minute (with a shooting distance of 200 feet).

Also unearthed was a claxon horn that was intended for use in the military to send signals inside a ship for important announcements like "battle stations," as well as assorted whistles and head gear. A fellow T-boat owner let Sam borrow a copy of the vessel line drawings and original manuals, which revealed information that was both historic and humorous. For example, the documents instructed Sam on how to render the engines useless should the enemy get too close (in case you're wondering, you pour in a mixture of sugar and sand).

Then there were some gifts. A Lyle gun – or breeches buoy cannon – was supplied by Sam's uncle, who coined the boat's distinct name. The cannon was used as far back as the 1700s to assist ships in distress by firing out a line to help tow to safety or transport crew members.

THE ENGINE ROOM

The General's engine room is today powered by its original, 10,000 pound, 300 HP, single slow-turning Caterpillar D375 diesel engine (it only has 400 hours on it), plus an auxiliary engine that is currently used for the hydraulic system.

The main engine measures an impressive seven feet wide by five feet tall, and provides the power to the 43" four-blade prop beneath The General's imposing hull.

Add to the specs massive bilge and intake pumps, a 56 gallon oil tank with 16 filters, twin 500 gallon fuel tanks, the original oil-fired cabin heating system, a cargo-hauling mast and boom with electric winch, full firefighting gear, and fifteen tons of ballast, and you have yourself one intriguing vessel.

The General cruises comfortably at about 9 knots and makes her annual rounds to Rhode Island and Long Island during the New England summer season, with occasional day trips to other local ports of call.

CAPTAIN AND FIRST MATE

It's fair to say the unusual boat has quirky owners. Sam has an affection for his "pride and joy," the Lyle cannon, as well as a fondness for "Taps," which he is known to play at sunset while shooting the cannon from The General's upper deck. The performance never fails to attract a crowd.

In fact, over the years the vessel has attracted a host of visitors, some of note. International businessman Maurice Tempelsman, who also docks his boat at the Norwalk Cove Marina during the summer, has been known to fire the cannon every now and then.

Sam loves to tell visitors about the day Paul Newman asked if he could watch a car race on The General's satellite TV. Apparently Newman's boat didn't have cable. And the time Billy Joel offered the buy The General. Sam wasn't about to sell. Still, he was flattered.

Then there are the parties the Haighs have hosted on board. One of them brought 87 visitors onto the vessel, including 14 bagpipers and four drummers. Sam had to borrow 30 life jackets for that gig.

While the Haighs don't own real estate in the traditional sense, they say it's the "neighborhood" that makes their floating home on The General so welcoming.

"When you live on a boat, you become close with your neighbors unlike you could ever do on land," Sam Haigh said. "It's a community."