Replica “Seneca Chief” boat moved from Buffalo Maritime Center’s Longshed

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Dozens of people cheered to the sound of horns Tuesday as the replica Seneca Chief boat was carried from the Longshed at the Buffalo Maritime Center.

“I wanted to be here for this,” resident Mark Sauberan said.

This was a special delivery that community members had been waiting for four years! The ship is 73 feet long and weighs 44 tons. The exterior is finished, but the interior still needs work like seating. Roger Allen is the project’s master boat builder.

“It’s a historic ship. It’s the Seneca Chief that Governor DeWitt Clinton took from Buffalo to Albany and then to New York when they opened the canal in 1825.”

Allen says more than 200 volunteers helped build the ship.

“We preserve and preserve maritime heritage,” Allen says.

Keelin: “Is this your first time building something like this?

Allen: “Something that important to me? Yes! And I’ve been doing this since 1978.”

Among these volunteers, Doug Hartley shared his memories.

“Greg and Roger guided the work. They show you how to do it, or someone else on the team who knew how would show you it, and you start doing it.”

It’s an exciting time for Western New York. The boat was lowered into Buffalo Harbor and made a return trip to Canalside.

On September 24, 2025, the ship will travel from Buffalo to New York Harbor. He will make 28 saves. Its final stop will be in New York on October 26. You can also experience the boat for yourself. Visits will begin on May 25.