ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Discover Cayuga Lake (DCL) is going to need a bigger boat.
Preparing to say goodbye to The Teal, its beloved wooden tour boat that has carried thousands of passengers over the years, the organization welcomes its new vessel Under Pressure and launches two fundraising campaigns to help pay it off while looking ahead to also purchasing a second, larger vessel.
Built in 1979 with a juniper-planked wooden hull, The Teal has long been a symbol of DCL’s commitment to community education and access to Cayuga Lake. After years of costly upkeep, between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, U.S. Coast Guard inspections last fall revealed that significant structural repairs could soon be required, potentially costing up to $500,000. Knowing the investment wasn’t sustainable, DCL accelerated its long-term plan to replace The Teal and began searching for a new boat last winter.
“We started the search knowing it would take time to find a boat suitable for our needs,” said the DCL team. “The Teal was used for everything from Floating Classroom ecology cruises for kids to weddings, DJ events, and narrated public cruises.” By April, DCL discovered Under Pressure, a smaller but well-built vessel located in Savannah, Georgia. After securing a mix of loans and donations to fund the $220,000 purchase, the team celebrated the acquisition only to face a major setback when the boat’s underwater equipment was found severely corroded during transport. Insurance will cover repairs, but the incident delayed its arrival by several months.
To keep programs afloat during the transition, DCL launched two fundraising efforts: A New Boat for Everyone and Love Your Lake. “Imagine if there were no boat on Cayuga Lake for people who don’t have their own,” the team said. “Our mission is about giving everyone access to the lake, and we rely on donors and supporters to continue that work.”
Though Under Pressure isn’t the organization’s dream vessel, it’s an important step forward. “It’s a ‘bridge boat,’” DCL explained. “We eventually want two boats, one large and one small, both using green technology. Two vessels would help us serve more people, offer affordable programs, and keep operations running smoothly.”
Before The Teal departs, DCL is inviting the community to celebrate its final voyages. “We hope people will come for one last cruise to enjoy the fall colors and support our new boat fund,” said DCL. Along with Fall Foliage Eco-Cruises and Farmers Market Cruises, special events include the Creepy Cruise: Tales of Horror, Treats, and ‘Come in Costume’ Cruise on Wednesday evening and The Teal’s Last Sunset Cruise on Friday, both featuring a silent auction.
After its farewell week, The Teal will make its final journey north on October 27th for a formal send-off. “The Teal will be hauled out at Beacon Bay Marina for inspection and storage,” DCL shared. “It’s a beautiful cedar boat that’s touched tens of thousands of lives, and we’re open to creative ideas for its next chapter, maybe even a floating café or houseboat.”
Community members can help DCL continue its mission by contributing to either of its campaigns or joining an upcoming cruise. Every donation and ticket purchase helps keep Cayuga Lake accessible to all, supporting local education, sustainability, and the shared experience of life on the water. To learn more or donate, visit discovercayugalake.org.
