An application for a permit to move the Seeker, the unfinished 90-foot long, 32-ton wooden scow owned by Ted Box, from its Beach Road location near Five Corners to a lot owned by Ralph Packer about a quarter of a mile east Beach Road is back on track after a short delay.
Early Wednesday, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) permit engineer Michael Lyons told The Times the DOT was not issuing permits to move boats on state roads over 16 feet in width. Several hours later, Mr. Lyons told The Times the permit would move forward and the boat could be moved as early as next week.
Initially, Mr. Lyons said DOT issues permits for houses up to 24 feet wide. Mr. Lyons explained the difference is because houses are often moved much shorter distances than boats. He said the DOT would issue a house moving permit for the 24-foot wide Seeker, when the paper work is complete, in part because of the relatively short distance the boat is to be moved.
Bob Hayden of Hayden Building Movers, hired to move the Seeker, said he would be on the Island today, Thursday, to complete the paperwork which includes signoffs from the state police, NSTAR, and the Tisbury police and fire departments.
Last month, lot owner Ernie Boch Jr. told Mr. Box that he must vacate the lot he has occupied for three years. Mr. Boch offered to pay for the move.
