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BONITA
Pictured as: the Ronald J. Dahlke (Andrie, Incorporated) Photo by: Unknown

Built in 1903, by Johnston Brothers of Ferrysburg, Michigan as the Bonita for Graham and Morton Transportation of Chicago, Illinois.

In 1914, the tug was acquired by the City of Chicago, Illinois. Where she was renamed as the Chicago Harbor No. 4.

In 1957, she was acquired by an individual named Edward Barnaby of Chicago, Illinois. Where she was renamed as the Eddie B. Barnaby.

In 1969, the tug was acquired by Henry W. Kraft of Chicago, Illinois. Where she was renamed the tug as the Seneca Queen.

In 1970, the tug was acquired by the Bultema Dock and Dredge Company of Muskegon, Michigan. Where she was renamed as the Ludington. While under the ownership of the Bultema Dock and Dredge Company. The tug received modern upgrades, which included the addition of a retractable wheelhouse.

In 1981, she was acquired by the Canonie Transportation Company of Muskegon, Michigan. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1991, she was acquired by the King Company of Holland, Michigan. Where she was renamed as the Seneca Queen.

In 2004, the tug was acquired by Andrie Incorporated of Muskegon, Michigan. Where she was renamed as the Ronald J. Dahlke.

In 2011, she was acquired by Bidco Marine Group of Buffalo, New York. Where the tug retained her name.

Powered by a single Detroit Diesel 16-V149 engine. With a Twin Disc MG-540 reduction gear. Turning via a 6(in) shaft, a single 76(in) by 51(in) four bladed, stainless steel, fixed pitch propeller. For a rated 1,100 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by a single Detroit Diesel 3-71 generator. With a Perkins Alternator. The tug's capacities are 2,000 gallons of fuel oil, and 200 gallons of lube oil.
(Birk Thomas)


  • Vessel Name: BONITA
  • USCG Doc. No.: 003968
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WCZ9681
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Ship Builder: JOHNSTON BROS
  • Year Built: 1903
  • Length: 63.3
  • Hailing Port: ROCHESTER, NY.
  • Hull Depth: 9
  • Hull Breadth: 17.5
  • Gross Tonnage: 58
  • Net Tonnage: 39
  • Owner:
    DEWEY LEASING LLC
    4999 DEWEY AVENUE
    ROCHESTER, NY 14612
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Bonita, Chicago Harbor No. 4, Eddie B. Barnaby, Seneca Queen, Ludington, SENECA QUEEN, RONALD J. DAHLKE
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Graham & Morton Transportation, City of Chicago, Illinois, Edward Barnaby, Henry W. Kraft, Bultema Dock and Dredge, Canonie Transportation, King Company, ANDRIE INC.