LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Museum Division, under the Department of Recreation & Parks, has placed its former water taxi boat on auction following the acquisition of a new, larger, ADA-compliant vessel. This change supports improved access to St. Clement’s Island State Park, a key historic site in Southern Maryland.
The boat, a 1995 Old Port 25’10″ fiberglass model KM4A2 with Hull ID 0MX26069E595, features a 4JH80 engine from family NYDXN02.0E4C. It was removed from service on December 2, 2025, and remains winterized in a covered slip. Viewing requires an appointment. The vessel holds U.S. Coast Guard certification for 22 passengers, with routes subject to approval. Maintenance records are available on request, and the engine and transmission were replaced on October 31, 2023. Engine hours are unknown. No trailer is included, and the buyer must handle removal from the marina, including any haul-out or slip fees.
Bidding starts at $5,000 and closes December 29, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST. Details and bids are available through the listing https://www.govdeals.com/en/asset/94/21845.
The upgrade addresses long-term needs for the seasonal water taxi service, which operates from the St. Clement’s Island Museum at 38370 Point Breeze Road in Coltons Point. The service runs most days from March 25 through October 31, with departures starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 2 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets cost $7 per person for all ages, including museum admission. Operations may pause due to unsafe conditions, and visitors should call (301) 769-2222 beforehand.
The museum itself interprets this history alongside Potomac River heritage, including local waterman traditions and indigenous Piscataway culture. Exhibits cover the voyage, early settlement, and related artifacts. The grounds include the Little Red Schoolhouse, a 19th-century one-room structure, and historic vessels like the Potomac River dory boat Doris C.
Plans for a new water taxi date to 2023, when the Maryland Department of Commerce awarded $219,000 in grant funds for an accessible vessel. The previous boat had served since around 1994. The new vessel, named First Landing Explorer, nearly doubles capacity, adds a restroom, and enhances accessibility for school groups, special events, and visitors with mobility needs. It was expected to begin service in early 2026 following final upgrades.
This transition improves reliability for the popular attraction, which draws locals and tourists to explore Maryland’s birthplace. The museum division manages several sites, including Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, Old Jail Museum, and Drayden African American Schoolhouse, preserving St. Mary’s County’s cultural and natural resources.
The auction provides an opportunity for interested parties to acquire a vessel with a history tied to public access at this significant location. Potential buyers should review all terms, including removal responsibilities and certification requirements.
St. Clement’s Island remains a focal point for understanding Maryland’s founding, with the water taxi service serving as the primary public link since seasonal operations began.
