Lotus, 1880
An aquatic plant native to southern Asia, Nelumbo nucifera, with large leaves, fragrant pinkish flowers, and a broad rounded perforated seed pod.
Builder: Detroit Automotive Works, Standardville, Michigan
Length: 40'
Beam: 7' 6"
Draft: 4'
Displacement: 15 tons
Cost: $4,967.81
Commissioned: 1880
Decommissioned: 1899
Disposition: Sold
Machinery: Fore & aft vertical steam engine; upright coal-fired boiler; 20 BHP; single propeller
Performance & Endurance:
Max:
Cruising:
Deck Gear:
Complement:
Armament: None
Tender History:
The Lotus was built as a harbor launch. It was paid for out of funds appropriated for the construction of the Stannard Rock light station. Her machinery was constructed by the Detroit Motor Works. She entered service in 1880 and was based in the 11th Lighthouse District.
She was declared unfit for service in the Spring of 1899. She was sold in 1901.
Sources:
Douglas Peterson. United States Lighthouse Service Tenders, 1840-1939. Annapolis: Eastwind Publishing, 2000.