ONLINE FEEDBACK

In their comments on theday.com readers made it known they didn’t like learning on Jan. 2 that “Mystic Seaport looks to convert steamboat Sabino to electric power.” Most thought it a bad idea.

“I thought museums ‘preserved’ history?”

— Eric Moriarty

“The use of natural gas, if possible, would be more in keeping with the historical significance of the Sabino. Just a thought.”

— Lewis Baker

“Virtue signaling or what? Lol. Have you heard of the diesel engine?”

— Rick O’Shea

“Outrageous. Steve White, the president of the Seaport, wrote in an oped in The Day on Jan. 31, 2016: ‘Mystic Seaport remains committed to returning Sabino to operation under steam power. She is a National Historic Landmark and an important fixture on the Mystic River. We are actively raising funds to complete the restoration and encourage those who care as deeply as we do about the experience of riding on an authentic steamboat to join us in helping make that possible for generations to come.’ Donors were told that Sabino is ‘a technical and sculptural artifact that allows visitors to take an up-close look at the marvelously complicated inner workings of steam power.’

So donors came up with the funds to achieve this vision and put a renovated Sabino back in the water a couple years ago. Now we are told that’s not the vision after all?”

— Barbara Nagy

“Couldn’t agree more Barbara. That 2016 Op-Ed rings hollow if not 100% disingenuous today.”

— John Guetens

“Do it the real way or don’t do it at all.”

— Andrew Blacker

“If you don’t have the noise, heat, and smoke, the ride is no longer historically accurate and loses some of its charm. I understand the pressure not to contribute to climate change pollution but it is a historic exception.”

— John W. Sheehan