KLOTOWAH U93236 (formerly MARGARET)

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	Vessel Name: KLOTOWAH (formerly MARGARET) Vessel Type: Steam Yacht Built: 1902, New York, New York Official Number: U.S. No. 93236 Dimensions: Length: 96.7 feet (29.5 meters) Beam: 16.6 feet (5.1 meters) Depth: 7.7 feet (2.3 meters) Gross Tonnage: 88 tons Net Tonnage: 59 tons Crew: 7 Home Port: Washington, D.C.
Detroit Publishing Co., Publisher. Steam yacht Margaret. [Between 1900 and 1910] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2016805030/>.

Vessel Name: KLOTOWAH (formerly MARGARET)
Vessel Type: Steam Yacht
Built: 1902, New York, New York
Official Number: U.S. No. 93236
Dimensions:

Length: 96.7 feet (29.5 meters)
Beam: 16.6 feet (5.1 meters)
Depth: 7.7 feet (2.3 meters)
Gross Tonnage: 88 tons
Net Tonnage: 59 tons
Crew: 7
Home Port: Washington, D.C.

Detroit Publishing Co., Publisher. Steam yacht Margaret. [Between 1900 and 1910] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2016805030/>.

History of the Steam Yacht KLOTOWAH #

Overview #

The early 20th century marked a golden age for luxury yachting, characterized by the advent of steam-powered vessels that combined elegance with advanced maritime engineering. The KLOTOWAH was one such vessel, epitomizing the sophistication and technological prowess of its time. Originally built as the MARGARET in 1902 in New York, New York, the yacht was a prime example of the luxury and precision associated with steam yachts.

Construction and Specifications #

The KLOTOWAH was constructed with meticulous attention to detail, boasting a length of 96.7 feet, a beam of 16.6 feet, and a depth of 7.7 feet. The yacht had a gross tonnage of 88 tons and a net tonnage of 59 tons, making it a sizable vessel for its class. It was built to serve as a luxurious yacht, staffed by a crew of seven, reflecting the opulence and high standards of service expected in the early 1900s.

Service and Name Change #

Initially christened as MARGARET, the yacht likely served an illustrious career under this name before being renamed KLOTOWAH. The exact details of its service history under the name MARGARET are not well-documented, but it can be inferred that the vessel was part of the vibrant yachting culture of the early 20th century.

As KLOTOWAH, the yacht was based out of Washington, D.C., where it likely participated in various social and recreational activities, contributing to the maritime culture of the nation’s capital. Steam yachts like KLOTOWAH were symbols of wealth and status, often used by their owners to entertain guests and explore the coastal waters.

Tragic End #

The pinnacle of KLOTOWAH’s service came to a tragic and abrupt end on May 12, 1916. While navigating the picturesque waters of the St. Lawrence River, the yacht caught fire. Despite the destructive nature of the blaze, the crew’s prompt actions ensured that no lives were lost. However, the fire completely destroyed the vessel, marking the end of its journey.

The exact cause of the fire remains undocumented, but such incidents were not uncommon for steam-powered vessels of that era. The combination of combustible materials and early 20th-century engineering could sometimes lead to catastrophic failures, especially in confined spaces like engine rooms.

Legacy #

The loss of the KLOTOWAH was recorded in the “Loss Reported of American Vessels” and documented in the 1916 edition of the Merchant Vessel List of the United States. This documentation ensures that the vessel’s legacy is preserved, offering valuable insights into its construction, service, and ultimate fate.

The KLOTOWAH‘s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of early 20th-century maritime ventures. While the yacht enjoyed years of service as a symbol of luxury and engineering, its sudden destruction highlights the inherent risks of steam-powered navigation. Today, the memory of KLOTOWAH lives on through historical records, reflecting a bygone era of elegance, adventure, and the relentless march of progress in maritime technology.