IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Prince Edward Ferry

•Type: Sidewheel Steamer (Catamaran-Built)

•Year Built: 1885

•Builder: Deseronto, Ontario

•Dimensions (Post-Rebuild): Length 51 feet (15.5 meters), Beam 18 feet (5.5 meters), Depth 3 feet (0.9 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 18 tons

•Final Location: Near the Ferry Launch, west side of the Bay of Quinte, Ontario

•Site Status: Broken up and Abandoned in 1928; some mechanical parts remain visible near the Ferry Launch.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Prince Edward Ferry was a small, wooden, catamaran-built Sidewheel Steamer designed to transport goods and passengers across the Bay of Quinte. Equipped with a high-pressure, single-cylinder engine (8 x 36 inches) generating 12 horsepower, the Ferry was built to provide reliable and efficient service for short distances. The vessel was a vital link in local transportation, particularly for communities around Deseronto and Belleville, Ontario.

HISTORY

The Prince Edward Ferry was launched in 1885, initially owned by William Powles of Deseronto. As an essential part of the Bay of Quinte’s transport infrastructure, the Ferry made regular crossings, providing both economic and social connectivity. Its operations were interrupted by a catastrophic fire on June 17, 1884, in Belleville, which destroyed the vessel. However, it was Rebuilt and returned to service, undergoing further modifications and ownership changes throughout its career.

Key milestones in the vessel’s history include:

•1886-1917: Operated under William Powles, contributing significantly to regional transport.

•1921: Ownership transferred to A. L. Francis.

•1922: Rebuilt with updated dimensions (51 feet in length), extending its operational life.

•1927: Ownership passed to R. D. McLeod.

•Late November 1928: Ceased operations and was broken up near the Ferry Launch.

The Ferry was formally deregistered on September 6, 1928, after being deemed obsolete. The Hull and much of the vessel were dismantled, but gears and other machinery were left behind at the site.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Prince Edward Ferry was Abandoned and dismantled in 1928 at its final operational site near the Ferry Launch on the Bay of Quinte’s west side. While the majority of the vessel was scrapped, some mechanical components, including gears, remain visible at the location, serving as remnants of its operational history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with this site.

•Divers and navigators should be aware of potential underwater debris near the Ferry Launch, which could pose minor hazards.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The physical remains of the Prince Edward Ferry are limited to some scattered mechanical parts, such as gears, located near the Ferry Launch. These remnants are accessible from shore and are of interest to maritime historians and local enthusiasts exploring the Bay of Quinte’s transportation legacy.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Maritime records related to the Ferry and its operational history.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Contextual information about similar vessels and the Bay of Quinte’s maritime heritage.

•Local Historical Societies: Resources for additional insights into the Ferry’s significance in regional transportation.

KEYWORDS

Prince Edward Ferry, Bay of Quinte, Sidewheel Steamer, Canadian maritime history, Deseronto shipbuilding, regional transportation vessels, Ferry abandonment, 1928 shipwreck remnants.

ANALYSIS

The Prince Edward Ferry exemplifies the resilience of small regional vessels in adapting to the transportation demands of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite challenges such as fires, rebuilds, and eventual obsolescence, the Ferry remained in service for over four decades, highlighting its importance to local communities. Its abandonment in 1928 marks the end of an era of steam-powered Ferry service in the Bay of Quinte region, with its scattered remnants serving as a testament to its historical significance.