M.V. Atlinto

Launched in 1911 by Jules Eggert, the Atlinto was a product of meticulous craftsmanship, with Eggert dedicating countless hours over two years to its construction. Despite the initial disappointment in its performance, marked by persistent engine overheating, no amount of tinkering could resolve the issue, given the absence of local expertise on gas boats in the area. Ultimately, Eggert's project was abandoned, and the charming vessel sat on the shore for years.

It wasn't until after Jules Eggert's passing in 1922 that his son, Paul, and grandson, Mickey, successfully addressed the engine problems, paving the way for the launch of their glacier tour business. The allure of the glacier remained irresistible, and the midnight cruise on the Atlinto to Llewellyn added a dash of romantic appeal.

Departing at 10 p.m. with the red ensign flying, the Atlinto sailed through the enchanting hours of a northern summer’s half-light. By 1 a.m., passengers disembarked at the camp in Glacier Bay, where a large tent equipped with cots and picnic tables awaited. After coffee and sandwiches, a group of 10 to 18 interested hikers, guided by Stewart James and Mickey Eggert, embarked on a trail to the glacier.

The journey took them over a moraine adorned with tiny wildflowers and across ice-cold streams, often necessitating the carrying of the ladies. As the sun rose over the mountains, they reached the broken face of the glacier and the ice-laden lake. After exploring the mysteries of the ice, the hikers returned to the beach camp around 7 a.m. for a hearty breakfast of sizzling bacon and eggs.

The Atlinto then retraced its route through First Narrows and down the Torres Channel, maintaining a smart pace of 12 knots. With time for stops, the vessel arrived back at the Atlin dock around noon, concluding the memorable 14-hour tour—a journey deemed well worth the $10 fare.

The Atlinto in front of the 3-gabled Atlin Inn.

In 1927, John Noland acquired the Atlinto, and for several years, he continued to offer similar midnight excursions. Additionally, the boat became an integral part of his hunting outfit, serving to transport hunters and their equipment. The vessel, measuring 41 feet in length and 9 feet in width, boasts a dry weight of 7500 pounds and is powered by an inboard Brennan 40 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. Its construction features a double-skinned hull with cedar planking in a carvel design, while the keel is made of oak. Many of its fittings are crafted from brass.

The Atlinto remained in extensive use until the early fifties when it was beached at its current location. Today, the vessel is under the ownership of the Atlin Historical Society.

The exterior of the boat was lovingly scraped and painted under the leadership of Insa Schultenkotter. Insa has since died. The bench beside the MV Atlinto is dedicated to her memory.