New life for relic of canal's past SUBHEADLINE>Day Peckinpaugh to become a floating historical exhibit after yearlong restoration work /SUBHEADLINE>.(Capital Region)(Correction notice)

Byline: LEIGH HORNBECK Staff Writer

WATERFORD - She's no beauty. The Day Peckinpaugh motorship is long and broad and strong, built for substance over style.

In 1921, the motorship was designed for the dimensions of the barge canal to do the unglamorous but vital job of hauling sand, coal and cement. She can haul 1,600 tons of dry cement and was once one of 100 such vessels traveling the canal.

Now, her work is done. The boat is the last of her kind.

The Peckinpaugh, named for a shipping magnate of his time, was celebrated along the Erie Canal during a three-week trip from Lockport. The trip culminated Friday in Waterford. Her next berth will …