A Legacy on the Water: The Story of West Shore
She was built in 1947 by the Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Wisconsin. Commissioned by Miller Boat Line of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, West Shore was designed to carry both cars and people—up to 12 vehicles and 235 passengers—across the waters of Lake Erie.
Over the decades, she’s worn many hats.
In 1998, West Shore was sold to Bud Martin of Beaver Island, Michigan, where she served as a hardworking freight hauler, carrying goods to his warehouse in Manistee.
A decade later, in 2008, her story took a new turn when she was purchased by Bay City Cruises with hopes of transforming her into an excursion vessel. Her passenger cabin was removed in anticipation—but the dream never quite left the dock.
That could’ve been the end. But in 2013, West Shore found a new lease on life with Star Line, who renamed her Anna May, in honor of shareholder Anna May Timmons. Under this new name, she served a dual purpose: hauling food and supplies in the morning, and then treating guests to scenic sunset cruises by evening.
Now, in 2025, with the return of the Arnold Transit name, we felt it only fitting to restore this historic vessel to her original name and livery. Once again, she is West Shore—a proud nod to her 78-year legacy.
She is more than just steel and diesel—she’s a living piece of maritime history. At 64 feet 10 inches long, 31 feet wide, and with a draft of 8 feet, West Shore can carry up to 150 passengers or 47,000 pounds of cargo. She is powered by a single Detroit Diesel 12V71 engine producing 375 horsepower.
Today, she holds the distinction of being the oldest ferry still in operation to Mackinac Island—a floating tribute to endurance, adaptability, and tradition.
Her continued service is a testament to the Hoffmann Family of Companies’ commitment to honoring the past while investing in the future of Arnold Transit Company—ensuring that icons like West Shore remain a cherished part of the Magic of a Ferry Ride to Mackinac Island.
Welcome aboard the West Shore.
