In order to be an efficient carrier in the ore and coal trades, MV Benson Ford was constructed with large box holds.

The first MV Benson Ford was decommissioned, and out of service in December 1981, it was later renamed the Dykstra and then the Frank J. Sullivan.

Frank J. Sullivan Jr. purchased this vessel and renamed it to honor his father who served in the Great Lakes shipping industry his entire life.

Sullivan, Jr. had intentions of renovating the ship and adding it to his lake fleet, but this soon proved to be uneconomical he decided to preserve it and turn it into an island retreat.

It was most recently purchased by the Kasper family of Sandusky, Ohio and is their private island retreat.