Sketch of new Miller Boat Line ferry released

PUT-IN-BAY — A newly sketch is giving the public an idea of what the new Miller Boat Line ferry will look like when it begins operating in 2019.The company, which is based in Put-in-Bay and ferries people and vehicles from the mainland to South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island, announced recently it hired Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle, Wash., to design the new boat, which will be about 140 feet long.A construction contract will follow, with plans to have the $7 million boat ready for the 2019 season.It will be the first new boat in 20 years, said Jacob Market, vice president of resources for Miller Boat Line.The new boat will be handicapped accessible because it will have a downstairs cabin and bathroom, Market said."People won't have to climb the stairs," he explained. Passenger comfort also will be emphasized with air conditioning cabins and more ergonomic seating, he said.In addition, the cabin upstairs will be positioned at the front of the boat, to provide a better view of the lake for people who choose to sit inside, he said.The christening of the boat in spring 2019 will be a big event, Market said."There's a lot of excitement locally," he said. "Christening is a big event for the community. Pretty much the whole island shows up."Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.A sketch of the planned new Miller Boat Line ferry, which will join the Miller fleet in 2019.