Deep Thought Milwaukee Abandoned Boat Bobble Unveiled

MILWAUKEE – This morning, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a limited-edition Deep Thought Milwaukee Abandoned Boat Bobble. The bobble features the boat that has become an unofficial Milwaukee landmark after it was abandoned in mid-October 2024 along the city’s lakefront. After being beached for more than six months, the 33-foot vandalized vessel is currently in the process of being removed. The first “Deep Thought” bobble is being produced by Milwaukee’s National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

Positioned on two springs on an oval, blue, water and sand texture base bearing its name, the “Deep Thought” bobble is tilted and covered in graffiti. The bobbles, which are individually numbered to 2,025, are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. Expected to ship in November, the bobbles cost $35 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

In mid-October 2024, a 33-foot boat – a Chris-Craft Roamer called “Deep Thought” – was found abandoned on Milwaukee’s shoreline, between McKinley and Bradford beaches. Also known as the S.S. Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Boat, or, simply, The Boat, the stranded craft attracted numerous visitors over the next six months and even inspired a song, “The SS Milwaukee,” by The Roaring Dans. The attraction centered around the mystery surrounding it. The owners of the boat, who live in Mississippi, purchased it in Manitowoc, but ran out of gas and became stuck in the sand along the lakefront on Sunday, October 13th. They ultimately skipped town, leaving their boat behind. However, they never registered the boat in their names, making ownership of the abandoned craft a gray area with the previous owners residing in Michigan.

Previous attempts to have the boat removed were unsuccessful due to it being stuck in landfill bedrock. After much confusion over which municipality or agency was responsible for its removal, Milwaukee County was deemed responsible for the boat and worked fast to have it taken away. While stranded for more than six months, “Deep Thought” was vandalized repeatedly with graffiti. It survived the fall and harsh winter months, but most of the boat’s electronics were picked over or destroyed. Prior to its removal, the boat’s top and cockpit were removed and sat nearby on the beach. While the removal was expected to cost up to $100,000, Milwaukee County assured taxpayers that the cost would be reimbursed somehow. Earlier this week, an anonymous donor agreed to cover the cost of the boat’s removal.

“We’re excited to unveil the first bobble featuring the abandoned ‘Deep Thought’ boat,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “While many people are sad to see the boat removed, the beached boat was a conversation piece and tourist attraction for countless visitors to Milwaukee’s lakefront. This bobble will be the perfect way for people to remember the most famous boat in Milwaukee!”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.