Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: Harborfest Houseboat

•Type: 32-foot houseboat

•Location: Just west of Oswego Harbor, Lake Ontario

•Coordinates: N 43° 27.470’, W 76° 33.335’

•Depth: 32 feet (9.75 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Harborfest Houseboat was a 32-foot recreational vessel designed for calm-water conditions. Houseboats of this type typically feature flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg hulls and minimal seaworthiness in rough water, making them unsuitable for large, open waters like Lake Ontario during adverse weather conditions.

History

During Harborfest 1993, held annually in Oswego during the last full weekend of July, the lake experienced strong northwest winds, generating eight-foot waves. The houseboat, ill-equipped for such rough conditions, Foundered in the rough waters just west of Oswego Harbor.

The two individuals aboard were rescued by the Coast Guard, ensuring no loss of life. However, the houseboat sank to the lakebed in 32 feet of water. In its first winter submerged, ice damage swept away the vessel’s cabin, scattering debris to the east of the Hull. The remaining structure consists of the Hull and outer railing, which have become a habitat for local fish species, including bass and perch.

Local divers nicknamed the wreck the “Harborfest Houseboat”, a name that became widely recognized after a trivia article in a 1996 local newspaper.

Final Disposition

The Harborfest Houseboat remains submerged in Lake Ontario, just west of Oswego Harbor. The wreck is accessible to divers and serves as a popular local dive site. The scattered remains of the cabin lie to the east of the Hull, adding to the site’s intrigue.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition:

•The Hull remains largely intact with the outer railing in place.

•The cabin structure is fragmented and lies in pieces east of the main wreck.

•Accessibility:

•At a depth of 32 feet (9.75 meters), the site is easily accessible to divers of all levels.

•Visibility can vary based on local weather and water conditions.

Marine Life

The wreck has become an Artificial Reef, hosting an array of local fish species. Common sightings include:

•Bass

•Perch

Notmar & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the Harborfest Houseboat wreck. Divers should, however, exercise caution around the wreck due to potential sharp edges and shifting debris.

Resources & Links

•Local Dive Shops: For updates on Visibility and site conditions.

•Harborfest Official Website: Oswego Harborfest

•Oswego Maritime Foundation: Dive site history and maps.

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Information on wreck diving in Lake Ontario.

Keywords

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Conclusion

The Harborfest Houseboat wreck has become an iconic local dive site near Oswego, New York, tied to the community’s annual Harborfest celebration. Though its history is short, the site has become a popular underwater attraction, rich with marine life and an accessible dive for enthusiasts of all skill levels. The houseboat’s fate highlights the risks of navigating Lake Ontario’s unpredictable waters, particularly in unsuitable vessels.