Famous Mail Boat on Skaneateles Lake to be Taken Out of Service for Summer Season

An iconic sight for the past 44 years on Skaneateles Lake will be no more. Mid-Lakes Navigation has announced that the Barbara S. Wiles will be taken out of service for the 2024 Summer Season. The boat served as a mail boat for residents on the lake, but also offered tours and lunch for those visiting the area.

“After our annual inspection and thorough deliberation we have determined that now is a prudent time to remove her from service in order to make a more in-depth assessment of her future safety and viability to run as the mailboat.”

Mid-Lakes Navigation said in a release.

Mail service will continue to take place, Mid-Lakes says, to their customers on the lake through the utilization of other boats for the remainder of the summer season.

Mid-Lakes second, and larger boat, the Judge Ben Wiles, will now offer more cruises around the lake. The company will be contacting anyone who has made a booking on the Barbara S. Wiles to offer a full refund or an alternative cruise experience.