My partner, Capt Ron Hardy and I (along with our wives, Kathryn Hardy and Capt Nancy Ackerman purchased the Betsy Ann in May 2005, in Wetumpka Alabama, from John Bull and his father Ed Bull. Ed designed and built the Betsy in 1989, as a tribute to the original 1890’s Betsy Ann and his friend and owner, Capt Fredrick Way Jr.

It took 7 glorious days to bring her to Bay County / Panama City Beach Florida, down the Alabama River, across miles of beautiful countryside, through 3 locks, a few very tight bends in the river, across the Mobile Bay and up the intracoastal waterway to a ship yard who shall remain forever nameless. We spent the next 7 months tediously giving the Betsy Ann a complete face lift and beauty treatment.

Now she is ready to fill your mind with wonder and amazement as you step back in time aboard the Betsy Ann Riverboat. Come learn some of the history of riverboats, let your mind wander back to the time when steam driven paddle wheel boats actually built the original Hathaway Bridge. (It’s true)  You may even be lucky enough to spot some of our residednt dolphins!  It is curious to me now, when I drive her, to imagine how the captains of yesterday must have felt in a time where these machines were “Modern Marvels” As you come aboard the Betsy Ann Riverboat, please allow me to borrow a line from the wonderful Mr. Walt Disney...”Here you leave today, and enter a world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy!!!

Welcome aboard and Enjoy Your Adventure!!!
Capt Rick