Tim Allen, the famous actor and comedian, is known for his roles in 'Toy Story' and 'Home Improvement'. In July 2022, his $500,000 yacht leaked around 30 gallons of diesel fuel into Lake Michigan, forcing the Northport Marina to close during the Fourth of July weekend. Allen, a native of Michigan, was unaware of the leak, which was caused by a blown fuel filter gasket. While the actor claimed no wildlife was harmed, some residents reported seeing dead fish and ducks.
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Tim Allen's yacht leaked 30 gallons of diesel fuel
On July 4, 2022, Tim Allen's yacht leaked around 30 gallons of diesel fuel into the Northport Village Marina in Michigan, forcing its closure over the holiday weekend. Allen, the actor known for his roles in "Toy Story" and "Home Improvement", said he was unaware of the leak until it was pointed out to him as he docked at the marina.
The fuel leak was caused by a faulty fuel filter seal, which resulted in diesel fuel spilling into the yacht's engine compartment. Once the compartment was filled, the bilge pump activated and dumped the fuel into the marina. Allen confirmed that the fuel filter gasket popped while he was rounding the corner of Omena Bay.
Harbormaster Bill Rosemurgy stated that while 30 gallons may not seem like a large amount, diesel spreads much faster than regular gasoline due to its oilier composition. The marina was closed on Sunday evening and all day Monday, with a nearby beach remaining closed until cleanup efforts were completed and environmental safety tests deemed the waters safe.
Allen, as the boat owner, was responsible for covering the cleanup costs. He expressed discomfort about the incident, saying, "I felt very uncomfortable closing the harbor down for everybody." Officials from the U.S. Coast Guard, Mackinac Environmental, and the Leelanau Township Fire Department led the cleanup efforts, deploying brooms and hundreds of absorbent pads to remove the diesel from the water.
There were conflicting reports about the impact of the fuel leak on wildlife. While some witnesses reported seeing several dead ducklings, carp, and pike in the marina, Leelanau Township Fire Chief Hugh Cook stated that he did not expect there to be any long-standing damage to the environment.
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The Northport Village Marina was closed due to the spill
The Northport Village Marina in Northport, Michigan, was forced to close after a diesel spill from a yacht owned by actor and comedian Tim Allen. The incident occurred over the July Fourth weekend, with approximately 10 to 30 gallons of diesel leaking from the yacht, as estimated by the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Allen, a native of Birmingham, Michigan, stated that he was unaware of the leak until it was brought to his attention by others. He suspected that the leak was caused by a blown fuel filter gasket while sailing around Omena Bay. This suspicion was confirmed by Leelanau Township Fire Chief Hugh Cook, who attributed the leak to a broken filter, resulting in fuel being pushed out of the craft by the bilge pump.
The Northport Village Marina Harbormaster, Bill Rosemurgy, explained the reason for the closure, emphasizing the impact of diesel fuel due to its oilier composition compared to standard fuel. He noted that a smaller amount of diesel can spread faster and farther, causing greater damage. The marina remained closed until Monday evening, following a cleanup effort. Allen took responsibility as the boat owner and handled the full cost of the cleanup, which included the use of at least 1,000 oil pads by the fire department to soak up the fuel.
The environmental impact of the spill is a subject of dispute. While Allen claimed that no wildlife appeared to be adversely affected, some residents reported seeing several dead fish and ducks in the area. Northport officials have not provided confirmation or denial of wildlife impact. A nearby beach and playground south of the marina were also closed on Monday as a precautionary measure, and they will remain closed until the cleanup is complete and environmental safety tests deem the waters safe.
The incident attracted attention due to Allen's celebrity status, known for his roles in "Toy Story" and "Home Improvement." Allen has maintained a connection with his Michigan roots, previously serving as the voice for a series of tourism ads for the state, titled "Pure Michigan."
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Allen was unaware of the leak until it was pointed out
Tim Allen, the famous actor and comedian, was looking forward to spending the Fourth of July weekend on his $500,000 yacht, enjoying the views of the fireworks. However, his plans took an unexpected turn when his boat leaked around 30 gallons of diesel fuel into Lake Michigan, forcing the Northport Marina to shut down.
Allen, a native of Birmingham, Michigan, was unaware of the leak until it was pointed out to him by onlookers. Speaking with the Traverse City Record-Eagle, Allen shared that he only realized the issue when others noticed the fuel leaking into the water as he pulled into the marina. He suspected that the leak was caused by a blown fuel filter gasket while navigating his yacht around Omena Bay.
Leelanau Township Fire Chief Hugh Cook confirmed Allen's suspicion, attributing the leak to a broken filter. This mechanical issue caused the fuel to be pushed out of the craft by the bilge pump. Allen's yacht, a 54-foot Uniesse powered by twin Caterpillar C18 engines, is capable of carrying up to 700 gallons of fuel.
While Allen felt uncomfortable about the inconvenience caused by the closure of the harbor, he took responsibility as the boat owner and agreed to cover the full cost of the cleanup. The marina remained closed until Monday evening, and a nearby beach was also temporarily shut down until environmental safety tests deemed the waters safe.
Allen's yachting adventure turned into an unexpected challenge, and his experience underscores the importance of being vigilant about potential leaks and mechanical issues, especially with powerful boats and engines.
This incident attracted media attention and sparked conversations about the environmental impact of yachting and boating. Allen's experience serves as a reminder that even the most seasoned boaters can encounter unforeseen situations, and it highlights the importance of swift response and cooperation in addressing such incidents.
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The cleanup cost was covered by the actor
Tim Allen, the famous actor and comedian, faced an unfortunate incident in July 2022 when his yacht forced the closure of the Northport Village Marina in northern Michigan due to a diesel fuel spill. Allen, a native of Birmingham, Michigan, was cruising in his $500,000 Uniesse yacht, intending to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend and witness the breathtaking fireworks display. However, his plans took an unexpected turn as his boat leaked approximately 10 to 30 gallons of diesel fuel into the marina.
The cause of the leak was attributed to a blown fuel filter gasket while the yacht was navigating the waters near Omena Bay. Allen was unaware of the leak until it was brought to his attention by onlookers. Leelanau Township Fire Chief Hugh Cook confirmed that the leak resulted from a broken filter, causing the fuel to be pumped out of the craft by the bilge pump.
The Northport Village Marina had to be shut down on Sunday evening, disrupting the holiday plans of many boaters. The cleanup efforts commenced immediately, with the U.S. Coast Guard overseeing the operation. The fire department utilized at least 1,000 oil pads to absorb the spilled fuel, and the marina remained closed until Monday evening.
Allen expressed discomfort about the situation, stating, "I felt very uncomfortable closing the harbor down for everybody." As the boat owner, he took responsibility for the incident and covered the full cost of the cleanup. The nearby beach also remained closed until the cleanup was completed, and environmental safety tests deemed the waters safe.
The impact of the fuel spill on wildlife is a matter of dispute. While Allen claimed that no wildlife appeared to be adversely affected, some residents reported seeing several dead fish and ducks in the area. The extent of the environmental damage caused by the fuel spill is still under scrutiny, and Northport officials have not provided any confirmation or denial of Allen's statement regarding wildlife.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with yacht and boat ownership. While Allen's yacht is equipped with powerful engines and offers him the thrill of navigating through heavy weather, the fuel leak caused a significant disruption and raised concerns about the potential ecological consequences. As a well-known figure, Allen's experience also draws attention to the responsibilities and challenges faced by boat owners, particularly when unexpected incidents occur.
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The yacht is a $500,000 Uniesse model
Tim Allen's yacht is a $500,000 Uniesse model. The Italian-made yacht is 54 feet in length and is powered by a twin Caterpillar C18 engine propulsion package, generating 2,030 horsepower. Allen, a native of suburban Detroit, has a passion for cars and racing, so it's no surprise that he chose a yacht with such impressive specifications.
The Uniesse yacht is an upgrade from Allen's previous 42-foot Uniesse, demonstrating his desire for more power and speed. Allen has expressed his love for powerful engines, and the C-18 engines on his new yacht are among the most powerful in Caterpillar's C engine line. With a reported top speed of 45 knots and a fuel capacity of 700 gallons, Allen's yacht is a force to be reckoned with on the water.
The yacht's fuel capacity is impressive, but it was also the cause of a major issue in July 2022. Allen's yacht was involved in a diesel fuel spill at the Northport Village Marina in northern Michigan. Approximately 10 to 30 gallons of diesel fuel leaked into the water, forcing the marina to close temporarily. The spill was caused by a blown fuel filter gasket, which resulted in diesel fuel being pushed out of the craft by the bilge pump.
Despite the spill, Allen's yacht has some impressive features. It has a reported range of 400 miles at maximum speed and an open or sportboat design by American Fred Hudson. Allen's yacht is also equipped with a Cat C-1.5 auxiliary genset for on-board power and Cat multistation controls. With such specifications, it's clear that Allen values performance and comfort in his choice of yacht.
The $500,000 Uniesse yacht is a testament to Tim Allen's appreciation for power and luxury. With its impressive engine and range, Allen can comfortably navigate the Great Lakes and enjoy the heavy weather he favours while boating.
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Frequently asked questions
Tim Allen's boat is a Uniesse yacht.
In July 2022, Tim Allen's boat leaked around 30 gallons of diesel fuel into Lake Michigan, forcing the Northport Marina to close.
The fuel leak in Tim Allen's boat was caused by a blown fuel filter gasket while he was boating around Omena Bay.