Identification & Site Information

• Name: The Stacked Hulls
• Location: Kingston, Ontario, near the shoreline of Lake Ontario
• Depth: Approximately 6–15 ft (1.8–4.6 m), shallow enough for a shore dive
• Access: Shore dive site, easily accessible from Kingston’s waterfront

Vessel Type

The site features stacked hulls—the remnants of multiple wooden ships, likely schooners, scows, or barges, Abandoned or deliberately placed in layers near the shoreline. Such hulls were often decommissioned and used as breakwaters or disposed of in shallow water.

Description

The Stacked Hulls site near Kingston, Ontario, is a unique underwater feature consisting of overlapping or layered hulls of wooden ships. The wrecks, which lie at depths ranging from 6 to 15 ft (1.8–4.6 m), are relatively well-preserved due to the cold freshwater environment of Lake Ontario. The site’s shallow depth makes it a popular spot for divers and snorkelers.

Remnants of ship frames, planking, and fasteners can be seen protruding from the sand and silt. Divers often report spotting multiple layers of Hull structures, indicative of ships that were stacked during abandonment. The hulls may date from the late 19th to early 20th century when wooden vessels were phased out in favour of steel construction.

History

Kingston has a rich maritime history as a prominent shipbuilding and trade hub on the Great Lakes. During the transition from wooden to steel vessels, many older wooden ships were intentionally scuttled, Abandoned, or repurposed as harbour protection structures.

The Stacked Hulls likely represent ships from this era. They could have been schooners, barges, or workboats once vital to regional commerce, later discarded as they became obsolete. Similar sites around the Great Lakes serve as a reminder of this transitional period in maritime history.

Final Dispositions

The vessels were likely Abandoned in place or intentionally stacked to create a stable structure. Over time, sedimentation and lake currents have partially buried portions of the hulls, but much remains visible for exploration.

Located By & Date Found

• Discoverers: Local divers have been aware of the site for decades.
• Discovery Date: Exact date unknown, but the site has been a long-standing attraction in Kingston.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Hazards: The shallow depth and proximity to the shore pose minimal risk, but divers should be cautious of sharp debris and shifting sediments.
• Preservation: As an accessible dive site, visitors should avoid disturbing or removing artifacts to help preserve the site for future divers and researchers.

Resources & Links

• Historical records of wooden vessels: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Dive site details: Local dive shops in Kingston offer maps and guidance on accessing the site.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: #Stacked Hulls, #Kingston Ontario dive sites, #Lake Ontario shipwrecks, #shore dive

Categories: Maritime Archaeology, Great Lakes History, Recreational Diving

Glossary Terms:

• Scow: A flat-bottomed boat used for cargo transport.

• Breakwater: A structure designed to protect a harbour from waves, often using repurposed ships.

• Hull: The watertight body of a ship.

3D Models

Kingston Stacked Hulls (full model) by GooseDiving on Sketchfab

Kingston Stacked Hulls (northern hull) by GooseDiving on Sketchfab

Stacked Hulls (Kingston) v2 by Nothing Unknown on Sketchfab

Stacked Hulls (Portsmouth, Kingston) by Nothing Unknown on Sketchfab