Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Bout de l’Ile

•Year of Build: 1904

•Built at: Bout de l’Ile, Quebec

•Type: Ferryboat (Sidewheel Propulsion)

•Hull Materials: Wood

•Number of Decks: 1

•Original Official Number: 116597

•Length, Beam, Depth: Not specified

•Tonnage (Gross): 15 tons

•Engines: Two 5×5 engines manufactured by Parent & Delorme, Montreal

Vessel Type Description

The Bout de l’Ile was a small, wooden sidewheel ferryboat, integral to early 20th-century regional transportation. Its sidewheel propulsion allowed it to navigate the waterways of Quebec efficiently, ferrying passengers and potentially small cargo. With a Gross Tonnage of 15 tons, this vessel was tailored for short-haul operations, bridging communities where other transportation infrastructure was unavailable or impractical.

History

Construction and Early Service:

The Bout de l’Ile was constructed in 1904 by M. Archambault at Bout de l’Ile, Quebec, a hub for small craft construction. Initially serving as a local Ferry, the vessel quickly became vital for connecting communities, particularly in regions with limited transportation alternatives.

Ownership and Operations:

By 1909, the Bout de l’Ile was owned by A. Chatelaine, based in L’Orignal, Ontario. This shift in ownership reflects the vessel’s mobility and utility in servicing different waterways. Operating primarily in Calumet, Quebec, it catered to local needs, ensuring consistent and reliable transportation.

Technical Features:

The ferryboat’s propulsion system relied on two 5×5 engines manufactured by Parent & Delorme, a Montreal-based company known for producing machinery for regional watercraft. The engines provided sufficient power for the vessel to fulfill its ferrying duties across relatively calm but crucial waterways.

Demise:

On September 29, 1914, the Bout de l’Ile tragically Foundered and sank in Calumet, Quebec. The circumstances leading to its sinking are unclear, as historical records do not provide specific details. Its loss marked the end of a decade-long service, highlighting the risks faced by even small, seemingly routine Ferry operations during this era.

Final Disposition

The Bout de l’Ile sank in Calumet, Quebec on September 29, 1914. The wreck’s precise location and condition remain undocumented. Its foundering brought a sudden end to its role as a connector of communities, underscoring the reliance on such vessels in areas with limited transportation options.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no known Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the Bout de l’Ile. Divers or researchers exploring the area near Calumet, Quebec, should exercise caution due to potential underwater hazards or remnants of the wreck.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A repository of historical accounts and vessel records.

•Quebec Historical Archives: Offers insights into ferryboats and transportation history in Quebec.

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks: For preservation efforts and potential site documentation.

Conclusion

The Bout de l’Ile represents the significant role of sidewheel ferries in early 20th-century Canadian transportation, particularly in Quebec and Ontario. While small in size, it provided a critical service to isolated communities, enabling the movement of people and goods across waterways. Its sinking in 1914 highlights the challenges faced by vessels of its kind, even in seemingly routine operations. The Bout de l’Ile’s history serves as a testament to the vital role of regional ferries in shaping Canada’s transportation network during this period.

Keywords

•Bout de l’Ile

•Ferryboat

•Sidewheel Propulsion

•Calumet, Quebec

•Wooden Vessel

•Early 20th-Century Maritime History

•Parent & Delorme Engines

•A. Chatelaine

•Foundering Vessel

•L’Orignal, Ontario