W.T. Preston, a National Landmark

“The W.T. Preston is open weekends only in spring and fall. In June, July and August the Preston is open Tuesday through Sunday (Closed Mondays).

For  information contact the Anacortes Museum at (360) 293-1915.”


Admission Fees

  • $5 Adult (Ages 17 to 64)
  • $4 Seniors 65 and up and Active Military
  • $3 Children (Ages 5-16)

Group Tours

Group tours by special arrangement. Please call 360-293-1915 or email the Museum.

W.T. Preston Specifications

  • Built at Lake Union Drydock, Seattle, Washington
  • Official date of construction, 1939
  • Length: 163 feet 5-7/8 inches
  • Beam: 34 feet 8-12 inches
  • Draft: 3 feet 8 inches
  • Displacement: 490 gross tons
  • Engines: Two 150 high-pressure reciprocating steam engines 14 inches bore by 72 inches stroke
  • Boiler: 180 pounds per square inch firetube
  • Speed: Max - 12 knots - Cruise 9 knots
  • Paddlewheel: 18 feet wide by 17 feet diameter
  • Derrick capacity: 70 tons
  • Boom: 16 inches by 16 inches by 70 feet 8 inches (laminated fir)
  • Maximum lifts: Snag - 30 tons at 28 foot radius
  • Bucket: 15 tons at 60 foot radius
Preston Tour Guide 2
Preston Tour Guide