The Knapp Roller Boat, conceived and designed by Frederick August Knapp, was a groundbreaking vessel that sought to transform the way cargo was transported across water. With its unusual cylindrical design, the boat was a testament to the innovative spirit of the late 19th century, though its practical application fell short of its ambitious goals.
Design and Construction #
The Knapp Roller Boat was constructed at Polson’s Yard in Toronto and launched into Toronto Bay, marking a significant moment in the city’s maritime history. The vessel measured 110 feet in length and approximately 25 feet in diameter, with a draft of 23 inches. It was designed with a unique approach to propulsion: a heavy stationary cylinder was initially planned to be surrounded by a revolving outer part. However, the design was later modified, leaving the central part of the hull empty.
At each end of the vessel, platforms resting on wheels were positioned to remain stationary, weighted down to stabilize the boat. The propulsion system was driven by two engines with upright boilers, which were located on each platform. A large driving wheel connected to the engines enabled the hull to revolve through a system of cogs. This unusual setup allowed the boat to travel on four large driving wheels, making contact with the water across 500 square feet of surface area.
Intended Function and Challenges #
The Knapp Roller Boat was designed with the hope of achieving remarkable speeds, potentially reaching one mile per minute. Steering was to be handled by two large rudders or tall boards situated below the platforms, likely utilizing steam steering gear for navigation. However, the reality was that the boat could only manage a maximum speed of four miles per hour under favorable conditions, far below the expected performance.
Transformation and Final Days #
In 1897, after its initial concept proved impractical, the vessel was repurposed by the Bertram Shipyard into a coal-carrying barge. The open ends of the boat were enclosed with wooden pontoons to facilitate towing, and further modifications included the addition of twin screws and steel ends. Deck houses and pilot houses were constructed above the plates, with the crew accommodations situated in the dome of the cylinder. It was hoped that these changes would allow the vessel to operate as a cargo carrier between Lake Erie ports and Toronto.
Despite these modifications, the Knapp Roller Boat’s career remained largely unsuccessful. Eventually, the vessel was laid up in a boneyard east of Jarvis Street in Toronto’s old harbor, where it was left abandoned for approximately 25 years. In 1927, during harbor redevelopment efforts, the hull was unearthed and subsequently cut up for scrap, bringing an end to one of the more curious chapters in maritime innovation.
Legacy #
The story of the Knapp Roller Boat is a reminder of the risks and rewards associated with pushing the boundaries of engineering and design. While the vessel never fulfilled its intended purpose, it stands as an example of the creativity and ambition that defined the era.
External Links and Resources #
- Toronto Telegram 1950
- The Steampunk Dream Machine: The Roller Ship
- Roller Ship on Wikipedia
- Heritage Toronto (Archived)
- Scanner V30 No.3
- The Marine Review (June 15, 1899)
- Milwaukee Wisconsin (September 11, 1897)
- British Whig (Kingston, ON) (August 18, 1904)
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