Want to buy an Alaska state ferry? Now you can bid on one (if you have $1.5 million)

JUNEAU — Need a new boat for the summer fishing season?

How about an Alaska state ferry?

The 352-foot M/V Taku is being sold to the highest bidder, the state transportation department announced Friday afternoon. Sealed bids are due May 9, with a $1.5 million minimum.

[Read the invitation to bid on the M/V Taku]

The ferry, which ran primarily in Southeast Alaska between Skagway and British Columbia, was built in 1963. It's being retired in advance of two new ferries that are expected to be finished next year.

The last state ferry to be sold, the 193-foot-long Bartlett, went for $390,000 on eBay.