Motor Vessel Monday

And we’re off!! Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry started service out of Mackinaw City today, April 26, 2021. All Aboard the Wyandot – on the first 7:30am ferry out of Mackinaw City the Wyandot carried over 50 passengers to Mackinac Island.

MADE IN MICHIGAN, FOR MICHIGAN, BY MICHIGAN ~ That’s her motto. This vessel was built by Moran Iron Works in Onaway, Michigan. Miss Margy was named after Co-founder Margret Shepler, Capt. (William H.) Shepler’s wife. When starting the company one of Shepler’s first vessels was a 6 passenger speed boat name Miss Margy. In honor of Margret (Margy) and the beginnings of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, Miss Margy is the vessel you see today carrying over 200 passengers to and from Mackinac Island.

Friday, April 9, 2021 the William Richard went into the water here at Shepler’s Marine Service. She was the first of seven in our fleet to return to the Great Lakes this season – followed by Wyandot. Don’t miss a chance to ride the new William Richard this season and come take a ride with us!

On October 9, 2020 William Richard made her passenger debut to Mackinac Island. The ship was built by Moran Iron Works in Onaway. It is set to carry 250 passengers with four Hamilton Jet, Jet Drive engines. William Richard was named after CEO and patriarch William (Bill) Richard Shepler of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. Stop by  for a ride to Mackinac Island aboard the William Richard! #SheplersNewRide