MACKINAW CITY, MI (AP)-- A newly built ferryboat for transporting passengers between Mackinac Island and the Michigan mainland has made its maiden voyage.
"Miss Margy" embarked Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. from the Shepler'sMackinac Island ferry docks in Mackinaw City.
The 85-foot vessel is the first ferryboat to be built in northern Michigan. It recently obtained U.S. Coast Guard certification and the company says it's ready to go.
Miss Margy is named for the mother of Bill Shepler, CEO of the company that has long provided ferry service to and from the Lake Huron resort island.
The boat was constructed at Moran Iron Works Co. in Onaway. Shepler's says it used components from Michigan suppliers as much as possible.
Gov. Rick Snyder christened the vessel during a July 12 ceremony.
