MyNorth News Service

(Press Release provided by Stafford’s Hospitality) 

HARBOR SPRINGS: After several years of rest, the Pointer Boat is once again available for harbor cruises in Harbor Springs, Michigan, for the summer of 2015.

The area which is now The Pointer Room at Stafford’s Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs, Michigan, is literally “on the water.” Until 1962, it was the boat house for the Harbor Point Association’s water taxi, The Pointer, which ran between Harbor Point and the Village of Harbor Springs. As there were no cars allowed on Harbor Point, The Pointer provided a vital link for the residents of the association during the summer months. There were a total of three different vessels, all named The Pointer, which ran from 1930 until 1962.

Originally built in 1934, this historic boat was restored by Van Dam Wood Craft in 1989 for Stafford Smith and Dudley Marvin of Stafford’s Hospitality. For the 25 years that followed, she was on display outside Stafford’s Pier Restaurant, offering courtesy rides throughout the summer.

Over the last year and a half, the Pointer Boat has been extensively upgraded by crews at Irish Boat Shop to meet today’s United States Coast Guard standards for a passenger vessel for hire.

“We are very excited to bring back this amenity to our guests and our community,” said David Marvin, Vice President of Stafford’s Hospitality said. “There are very few ways to get on the water in Harbor Springs unless you have your own boat. We look forward to sharing the history, and beauty of Harbor Springs and Little Traverse Bay with many more generations. The Pointer hasn’t been at the Pier the last two summers, and she has been missed. We are glad to have her back!”

The 1 hour and 15 minute tour will depart from Dudley’s Deck at Stafford’s Pier Restaurant in downtown Harbor Springs. The tour hugs the shoreline of historic associations including Harbor Point and Wequetonsing. Scheduled Tours will depart at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The cost is $20 per person, with a 12 person maximum capacity.

Reservations may be made in advance by calling 231.881.8048 or by email at pointerboat@staffords.com. More information may be found on our website, www.pointerboat.com.

Stafford’s Hospitality owns and operates seven northern Michigan landmark properties: Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites in Alanson, The Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs, The Perry Hotel, Bay View Inn and Stafford’s Gallery in Petoskey and The Weathervane Restaurant and Drawbridge Bistro in Charlevoix. Stafford’s Hospitality has been in business since 1961.