The M.V. 'Nora Jean'
Boat Name: Nora Jean
Owner: Richard & Carol Manifold, P.O. Box 75, Kirkersville, OH 43033
Home Port: Devola, OH at Mile 5 on the Muskingum River
Hull: Steel hull, 3/16 with model bow and six compartments
Hull Size: Length - 46 feet, Width - 14 feet, Draft - 24 inches
Paddlewheel: 10 ft. diameter by 8 ft. wide with 12 - 1 ft. aluminum buckets
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6.2 with GM 400 Turbo Hydromatic transmission
Drive Train: Belts to intermediate chain to final drive chain
Builder: Mark Yohe built this vessel in the Monongahela River in 1981.
Cabin: Wood construction, living room, galley, head, shower and utility room (furnace) on the lower level, spiral stairway to bedroom then up to the pilothouse on the 3 rd. level. Sleeps 4+
Misc.: Kubota 6.5 gen set, fresh water - 250 gal., fuel tank - 180 gal., each level has its own A/C. It white with red trim and gray decks.
The Nora Jean was purchased in March of 1991 by Dick and Carol and named for both Mothers, Dick's (Nora) and Carol's (Jean). It was originally named the Amy Lynn and then Jeanie C by second owner Clarence Cotterman. In the first few years the owners have made many changes to the living quarters including the spiral stairway, cherry kitchen cabinets and king size bed. The exterior was done over in vinyl siding and the hull was modified giving it more freeboard, less draft and improved handling. In 1999 the wheel was enlarged by Dick with lots of help from Hoyt Fontalbert and in 2000 the larger fuel tank was installed. The owners live aboard from April through October and take part in sternwheel regattas from Marietta, OH to Charleston, WV and several in between. Many hours of pleasant paddling have been enjoyed with family and friends. Winter quarters are Marmet, WV at the Roy C dock. Dick deeps busy each winter creating scale models of friends' boats.