LST-325-- Part 5: Lousy Gas Mileage

One drawback of LSTs however is that they are not fuel-efficient.  The diesel powered ship burns through more than six gallons of gas for every mile it travels.

Every penny earned by the nonprofit group running the ship from ticket sales and sales from the gift shop is used to keep the tanks full and engine running.

But, it's time and money well spent.

"We've been doing this since 2004," according to John Tallent.  "We've served over 450,000 visitors in that time frame.  Typically, we're underway going on a tour of cities three or four weeks a year.  In that time span, we'll see on average 33,000 visitors."

The ship is home-based in Evansville, Indiana, on the Ohio River when not on tour.

--GreGen