In December, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) christened its newest 48'x18'x6'4" ferry boat, M/V Summitt, which is now in service on the Tennessee River.
TDOT expects the vessel to serve the region for the next 30 years, replacing a 67-year-old push boat that ran the deck barge Volunteer between Benton and Houston Counties. In 2023, the ferry service transported approximately 14,500 vehicles.
M/V Summitt was designed by SeaCraft Design LLC, Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., and built by McGinnis Inc. Sheridan Shipyard, South Point, Ohio. The vessel was funded by federal and state tax dollars at a total cost of $3.3 million.
Main propulsion comes from a John Deere 6090AFM85 diesel engine, rated 285 bhp at 2,100 rpm. Twin Disc MG-5091DC reduction gears with a 3.82:1 ratio spin a 44" diameter Michigan Wheel “Workhorse” four-blade propeller. The tug meets EPA Tier 3 emissions standards, and its fuel capacity, split between forward (2,880 gals.) and aft tanks (1,180 gals.), totals 4,060 gals.
Ship’s service power comes from a Kubota KK4 generator, while additional systems onboard include R.W. Fernstrum & Co. grid coolers for engine cooling, and an MSD Ahead Sanitation System for wastewater treatment. Electronics, installed and provided by Gemini Electronics of Paducah, Kentucky, include a Furuno model 1935 radar.
The vessel also features McGinnis custom side fendering and Schuyler fenders on the bow and stern to enhance operational safety.
Deck equipment includes a Nabrico hand-operated two-ton winch on the foredeck and a Wintech WK-3600-08 model winch on the stern for securing the tug to the barge in rough weather conditions.
Interior outfitting includes Tufflex flooring, Distribution International ceiling panels, and Concord sound-absorbing wall paneling. In the pilot house, captains sit 18’ above the waterline while manning a Skipper Engineered Products hydraulic steering system provided by Donovan Marine. Fire safety is managed by a Fireboy-Xintex Elite RSM alarm panel.
The vessel was named in honor of University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt, who served as head coach from 1974 to 2012.
