Here’s a detailed and structured entry for the Unidentified Skiff near Bath Ferry Dock:

UNIDENTIFIED SKIFF – BATH Ferry DOCK

Quick Facts:

•Type: Skiff (small, flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged boat)

•Location: Near Ferry Dock, Bath, Ontario, Lake Ontario

•Depth: Approximately 10 feet (3 meters)

•Site Status: Submerged; origin and purpose remain undetermined

•Discovery: Located by Hydrographic Services during windmill installation surveys

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: Unidentified Skiff

•Type: Skiff (small wooden boat)

•Construction: Likely wooden, typical of small vessels used on Lake Ontario for fishing and transportation

•Location: Southeast of Bath Ferry Dock, Lake Ontario

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

A skiff is a small, flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged boat known for its simplicity and versatility. These lightweight vessels were commonly used in the Great Lakes for:

•Fishing: Ideal for navigating shallow waters near the shoreline.

•Transportation: Often used for ferrying goods, passengers, or equipment between docks and markets.

•Light Commercial Use: Their affordability and ease of construction made skiffs a popular choice for small-scale traders and fishermen.

The Unidentified Skiff near Bath likely served one or more of these purposes, reflecting the practical maritime activities that were integral to the region’s community life.

HISTORY

The skiff’s precise history remains unclear, but its discovery sheds light on the modest yet vital role small vessels played in Lake Ontario’s maritime history.

Context:

•Skiffs in Maritime History: Commonly found along the shores of Lake Ontario, skiffs were integral to local economies, supporting fishing, small-scale trade, and personal transportation.

•Bath, Ontario’s Role: As a historic maritime hub, Bath was home to shipbuilding, fishing, and transportation industries, making it plausible that this skiff was tied to one of these activities.

Discovery:

The skiff was found near the Ferry dock during hydrographic surveys for a windmill installation project, highlighting its location within a historically active area.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The skiff remains submerged near the Ferry dock. Reasons for its sinking or abandonment could include:

•Weather Events: Damage from storms or ice.

•Age and Disrepair: Left to deteriorate after falling out of use.

•Accidental Sinking: Mishap during its operational life.

Freshwater conditions in Lake Ontario have likely preserved some structural elements of the vessel, though degradation over time is inevitable.

NOTICES TO MARINERS (NOTMARs)

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this wreck. However, mariners should exercise caution when navigating near the Ferry dock, particularly during ongoing windmill installation or related activities.

LOCATED BY & DATE

•Discovery: Found by Hydrographic Services during windmill installation surveys.

•Date of Loss: Unknown. Likely dates to a period when skiffs were commonly used for local transportation and fishing.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Condition: The skiff is likely partially intact, with visible structural components such as the Keel, planking, and fittings. Freshwater has aided in preserving the wood, though signs of decay are expected.

•Accessibility: Located in shallow water, the site is accessible for divers. Its proximity to the Ferry dock necessitates caution, especially during ongoing projects.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Database

•Canadian Hydrographic Service: For survey data and site documentation.

•Bath Historical Society: Local archives may provide context for small-scale maritime activities.

•Windmill Installation Project Reports: These surveys documented the skiff’s discovery.

ANALYSIS

The Unidentified Skiff represents a key aspect of Lake Ontario’s maritime heritage: the everyday, small-scale activities that sustained local communities. Unlike larger ships that dominate shipwreck narratives, this skiff tells the story of personal and community-level maritime life.

Potential Insights:

•Construction Details: Could reveal methods and materials used in regional skiff-building traditions.

•Historical Role: May provide clues to the nature of maritime activities in Bath during its operational period.

Further archaeological exploration and research could uncover more about the skiff’s origins, use, and eventual abandonment.

KEYWORDS

Unidentified Skiff, Bath Ontario, Ferry Dock, Lake Ontario, shipwreck, hydrographic survey, windmill installation, maritime history, underwater archaeology

This entry highlights the modest yet meaningful historical value of the Unidentified Skiff. Let me know if you’d like to expand any sections or add further details!