ALERT: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been observed in the south eastern end of the lake.  LEARN MORE

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MeetThe Bob

The floating research lab protecting Skaneateles Lake

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Why This Matters

Supports Water Quality Research

The Bob helps collect the data needed to better understand lake conditions and protect water quality.

Powers On-The-Water Science

From field sampling to monitoring, this vessel supports active research across Skaneateles Lake.

Protects Our Drinking Water Source

This work helps safeguard a lake that serves as an unfiltered drinking water supply for thousands.

Onboard The Bob

The Bob supports hands-on lake science, monitoring, and stewardship throughout the season.

The Dr. Robert Werner Research and Education Boat—known simply as “The Bob”—launched in the summer of 2022 and plays a vital role in the Skaneateles Lake Association’s core programs.

Named in honor of Dr. Robert Werner, the boat celebrates a legacy of dedication to the lake and its future. Dr. Werner, who passed in 2020, served as the SLA’s volunteer lake ecologist and a committed board member. He was known to many as “The Lake Professor.”

Today, The Bob continues that legacy—supporting research, monitoring, and education that help protect Skaneateles Lake for generations to come.

What We’re Learning

Research & Monitoring

Tracking water clarity, sediment, and changing lake conditions to support informed decision-making.

Aquatic Plant Surveys

Supporting fieldwork related to invasive species monitoring and management efforts across the lake.

HAB Monitoring

Helping identify, document, and better understand harmful algal bloom activity.

CSLAP & Data Collection

Contributing to long-term lake monitoring and statewide water quality data efforts.

Made Possible By Community Support

The Bob was made possible through the generosity of donors and partners who believe in protecting Skaneateles Lake.

Donations

The Skaneateles Lake Association extends sincere thanks to the founding donors and in-kind supporters who made The Bob possible.

Special recognition to SLA Board Member and Lake Ecology Team Co-Chair Dr. Bill Dean, and John Menapace of Aquatic Invasives, Inc., for their contributions to the design and fabrication of the vessel.

We are also grateful to Fran Rotunno Fish for her leadership in advancing the fundraising efforts that brought The Bob to the water.

David & Amy Allyn
Henry & Helga Beck
Dessa Bergen
David Birchenough & Carrie Lazarus
Wendy Blewett
Virginia Bryce
Laura Busby
Jeffrey & Marybeth Carlberg
Delores Chappell
Aimee Clinkhammer
Paul & Linda Cohen
The Columbian Foundation
Stephen Congel
Suzanne Congel
Jim & Sharon Cross
Robert & Roberta Culbertson
Jeffrey & Barbara Culhane
William & Barbara Dean
Merrill & Paula Denslow
Sid & Suzanne Devorsetz
Charles & Kimberly Driscoll
Ham & Fran Fish
Ronald & Rose Ann Gay
Sheila Goetzmann
David Graham
Greenville LLC
Holland Gregg & Patience Brewster
Amy Lynn Gregory
Brian & Maureen Harkins
Kenneth & Barbara Hearst
Donna Himmelfarb
Richard & Deborah Hole
Robert & Claire Howard
Peter & Jane Hueber
Jackie Keady
David & Sheril Ketchum
Edward & Lena Kochian
Richard & Mary Kokosa
Dorothy Krause
Judith Krieger
Lakeview Auto & Marine (Bob, Terri & Rachael DeWitt)
Carolyn Legg
Brian & Jean Madigan
Mary Marshall
Kevin & Fran McCormack
Jim & Julie Moore
Judith Morrissey
Frank Moses
Patricia Orr
Michael Paciorek
Lawrence & Nan Pardee
Steven Phillippy & Janice Kemp Phillippy
Shirlee Powers
Floramay Racz
N. Sandor & Kristy Racz
Yvonne Racz, William & Gretchen Roberts
Andy & Kitty Robinson
Daniel & Linda Roche
Scott Rogers
Michael Schrader & Lauren Kochian
Steve & Sharon Songer
Wolfram & Elena Stahl
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Stevens
Gene & Joan Tarolli
Nancy Tiedemann
James & Deborah Tifft
Paul & Mary Torrisi
Larry & Katherine Weiss
Joe & Shasta White
Randall & Paula White & Frank Canastrano
Charles Williams
Lucy Williams
Marilyn Wurzburger

In-Kind Donations

The Bob was made possible through the generous in-kind contributions of members, vendors, and Skaneateles community businesses who provided materials, equipment, and hands-on support throughout its development.

We gratefully recognize the following contributors:

John David Hammond — Donated the pontoon boat that provided the original framework and two pontoons for The Bob

Dorothy Krause — Provided use of a trailer during the first summer of construction

Mercury Motor Company — Provided a special nonprofit rate for the boat’s motor

Pete Severson, Sevey’s Boatyard — Facilitated the Mercury partnership and provided special pricing on accessories

Skaneateles Sailboat Shop — Provided special pricing on accessories and safety equipment

Brinson’s Marina — Provided special pricing on the trailer

Lakeview Auto & Marine — Provided complimentary winter storage

Skaneateles Country Club — Provided a complimentary mooring

Help Power The Work Behind The Lake

The Bob supports hands-on lake science, monitoring, and stewardship throughout the season.

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