A CLASSIC
I first met the bum boat alongside the CSL boats over at conrail, before they shut the dock. Would be tied up alongside but I didn't know what it was. Well one time the late great Maritime Mel said to my brother come on tommy let's get a drink, and walks onboard. MEL! U can't just go on somebody's boat.... ITS A BAR. Christmas lights were up. The Capt was onboard from the laker. This changes everything, a floating bar for the lakers!!!! This was back in the day early 90's. Well. It was on.
Sonny II aka the bum boat, used yo shuttle supplies to the lakers all along the harbor. And was a bar for the mens & ladies while alongside. A great seafaring tradition. Sonny B the sister ship is the water taxi up at PIB.
Well for many years now at Ashtabula harbor the bum boat is tied up & open to the public fully licensed sit down bar. The owners are really nice. Live music, have a drink. Fairly large menu board too. I didn't know they had food tbh. It was great chili dog. As good & very similar to skyline.
If u love shipping, history, music & dranks, and who doesn't in Ashtabula harbor, get ur arse down to the bum boat & have a blast. It's so unique u will never drink in another place like it. circa 1930. BEAUTIFUL NEW SIGN check it out. 5 star dive bar!! read more