Local Tuscaloosa Attraction Makes a Comeback

Restrictions and repairs are what kept Bama Belle off the river, but those have passed and the 90 foot riverboat is ready to party once again.

According to the Tuscaloosa News, the owner, Craig Dodson, is excited to say permits have been obtained and renovations were successful.

The Bama Belle has been part of Tuscaloosa’s river scene since 2001, but it stopped offering cruises in June 2012 after holes developed in the engine cooling systems’ coolers on the bottom of the boat, causing an engine to fail.

– Jason Morton, Tuscaloosa News

In November of 2015, Dodson had purchased the boat for $100,000 so to take over the repairs that had been seemingly ignored by the original owner. Reason – when the city grew weary of when the boat would be repaired, they were pushing to have it removed.  

A year later, once Dodson had taken over control of the project, it is on its last steps toward success and operation.

Details:

• Limited time cruises will be offered before 2017.
• There is no alcohol license yet.
• The boat can be rented out for personal parties, weddings and more.

 If interested – Contact Dodson at 205-275-0560

“The Black Warrior River is one Tuscaloosa’s many assets,” said Gina Simpson, president and CEO of the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission, which serves to market Tuscaloosa to visitors and residents alike.

“The Bama Belle provides a unique prospective of the river for our community and visitors.”

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