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BETSY WEPFER (1980)
Pictured as: the Hondo (Kirby Corporation) Photo by: Sam Draye

Built in 1980, by the Louis G. Ortis Boat Company of Krotz Springs, Louisiana (hull #82) as the Pony Express for Canal Freight Lines Incorporated Houston, Texas.

In 1980, the tug was acquired by T.L. James Associates of Houston, Texas. Where the she was renamed as the Miss Vicky.

In 1988, she was acquired by the Alamo Marine Company of Houston, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Hondo.

In 1989, the tug was acquired by Dixie Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where she retained her name.

In 1998, she was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2018, she was acquired by Wepfer Marine Incorporated of Memphis, Tennessee. Where the tug was renamed as the Betsy Wepfer.

In 2021, she was phased out of active service and was "laid up" at Paducah, Kentucky.

Powered by two, Caterpillar C18 diesel engines. With Twin Disc reduction gears, at a ratio of 6:1. She was a twin screw towboat, rated at 800 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: BETSY WEPFER (1980)
  • USCG Doc. No.: 620456
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDC2693
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 82
  • Ship Builder: Louis G. Ortis Boat Co.
  • Year Built: 1980
  • Length: 56
  • Hailing Port: MEMPHIS, TN.
  • Hull Depth: 8.8
  • Hull Breadth: 22.1
  • Gross Tonnage: 111
  • Net Tonnage: 75
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Pony Express, MISS VICKY, HONDO, BETSY WEPFER
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Canal Freight Lines Inc., T. L. James Associates, Alamo Inland Marine Co., Dixie Marine Inc., KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP