News Summary
The abandoned boat ‘Deep Thought’ has been successfully removed from Milwaukee’s lakefront after extensive efforts by All City Towing. Initially weighing between 40,000 to 50,000 pounds, it turned out to weigh closer to 100,000 pounds, complicating the removal process. The cost of the operation exceeded initial estimates, but community donations helped cover some expenses. This removal has sparked discussions about the future use of the site as Milwaukee officials consider options for enhancing the lakefront area.
Milwaukee – The abandoned boat known as Deep Thought, which had been resting on Milwaukee’s lakefront between Bradford and McKinley beaches since October 2024, has finally been removed after extensive efforts. The removal took place in early May 2025, marking the end of a prolonged and complicated process that involved coordination between various parties.
Jeff Piller, the owner of All City Towing, discussed the boat’s removal during a recent Rotary Club meeting. Initial estimates of the boat’s weight ranged between 40,000 to 50,000 pounds; however, the actual weight was found to be closer to 100,000 pounds. This miscalculation played a significant role in the challenges encountered during the removal process.
Despite an initial projection of around $50,000 for the removal costs, the final expenses were markedly higher. Two generous donors contributed approximately $20,000 to help offset some of these costs. Piller ultimately offered a discount on his services, leading to total removal costs nearing $35,000. Milwaukee County Parks will conduct a review of the invoice to confirm the final costs and responsibilities involved in the project.
Once the boat was removed, it was transported to All City Towing’s lot located on Milwaukee’s south side, where it is currently housed. The presence of Deep Thought on the lakefront had been a topic of discussion within the community, with varying opinions regarding its removal. While some community members believed it served as a unique attraction, others echoed Piller’s sentiments, emphasizing that it was time to remove the vessel.
Challenges in Removal
The process of removing the Deep Thought was made difficult due to its unexpected weight and the logistics of pulling a bulky object from a public beach. Piller’s team navigated various hurdles, including securing proper equipment and coordinating with local authorities. A successful removal required thorough planning and mobilization of resources, which was complicated by the boat’s condition and the impact of environmental factors.
Community Reactions
The abandoned boat sparked discussions among local residents, leading to a divergence of opinions on whether the boat should have remained at the lakefront or been removed. Some argued that the vessel contributed to the area’s character, while others cited safety and aesthetic concerns. The debates underscored a strong sense of community involvement in decisions regarding local landmarks.
Future Considerations
With the boat now removed, city officials and community leaders may explore possibilities for future use of the site. The removal opens up potential for the lakefront area to be utilized for recreational activities or other community events. Discussions surrounding future projects and improvements will likely prioritize enhancing visitors’ experiences while balancing community values and needs.
The removal of Deep Thought from Milwaukee’s lakefront signifies a key step towards maintaining the integrity and appeal of the area. As the community reflects on the boat’s removal, it remains to be seen how the space will evolve in the future, offering new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 6 Now: Abandoned Boat Removal
- Wikipedia: Milwaukee
- Urban Milwaukee: UWM Women Leaders Conference
- Google Search: Milwaukee lakefront
- JSONLine: Ruth Foundation Grants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee
- BizTimes: Milwaukee’s Future
- Google News: Community Issues in Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
