Hope, an aluminum passenger ferry to Mackinac Island that provides tours of the Mackinac Bridge and local lighthouses, will be larger this spring. The 65-foot ship will receive a 17-foot aft lengthening, enabling it to carry more luggage and bicycles.

Owner Chris Shepler of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry decided to pursue the $1 million project in September after considering several other options. Selling the boat and purchasing a new one was mulled, he said, but there was no guarantee how much he would be able to get for the Hope. Building a new boat was also considered, but design and construction could take years. After finalizing his decision to lengthen the boat, naval architect Mark Pudlow of Wisconsin was contacted to work on the design. The boat sailed to Rogers City in December, where it was hauled out of the water and had its engines removed. It was then placed on a trailer and towed to Moran Iron Works in Onaway for aft work.

Mr. Shepler explained the lengthening was spurred by a need for space. Customers are carrying much more luggage, and even bicycles, he said, necessitating the work. He also wanted to make the boat more efficient, and with the upgrade he can use larger ramps to load people on board more quickly. Including the work on Hope, four of the company's six boats have will have been lengthened for the same reason, he said, including two other ferries and its freight boat, which was expanded from 65 feet to 90 feet.

Moran Iron Works General Manager Gerald Ganske said about 12 to 15 feet of the stern will be cut off Hope and about 30 feet of new stern will be constructed and then be welded back on.

Workers are currently cutting aluminum and making parts, he said.

Hope will also get a boost in power. With the old V12 engine removed in Rogers City, a new V16 engine will take its place. The new engine will enhance the boat's efficiency, he said, reducing the amount of oil used.

Once the upgrades are complete, they must be checked by the Coast Guard before the Hope can be used for cruises, Mr. Shepler said. The ship's stability will be tested by placing weights on different parts and measuring how deep it sinks into the water. The tests must be performed in calm water and low wind, Mr. Shepler said. Once the Hope passes the Coast Guard's tests, it will be ready to carry passengers to the Island from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.