History #
The tugboat ADVANCE was built in 1886 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It had an official number of 90775 and was constructed by William Bertman. The vessel had a round stern and a carvel-built hull, which means the planks were laid flush and edge-to-edge.
The ADVANCE was primarily used as a tugboat or towboat. It had a wooden hull, one deck, and was propelled by a single screw. The propulsion system consisted of a 10 x 8-inch upright engine, which was built in 1865 by Shepard Iron Works in Buffalo, New York. The engine had a power output of 20 horsepower. The tugboat was also equipped with one boiler and one propeller.
In terms of dimensions, the ADVANCE had a length of 48.8 feet, a beam (width) of 15.1 feet, and a depth of 4 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 72.37 and a net tonnage of 49.22.
The tugboat changed ownership over the years. In 1897, it was owned by W. Holder of Windsor, Ontario. By 1903, the ownership had transferred to William A. Kennedy of Manitoulin Island.
On October 25, 1903, the ADVANCE met its final fate. It caught fire and burned, resulting in a total loss. Despite being engulfed in flames, it was towed to Sault Ste. Marie (Soo) while still ablaze. The incident occurred between Spanish River and Sault Ste. Marie on Lake Huron.
The available information does not provide details on the subsequent disposition of the ADVANCE after it was dropped from the Canadian List of Shipping between 1923 and 1933. Its ultimate fate remains unknown.
