Isleway (1904)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION:

Vessel Name: Isleway
Type: Steam Yacht
Year Built: 1904
Builder: Davis & Sons, Kingston, Ontario
Registered: Montreal, Quebec
Dimensions: Length: 52 feet; Beam: 11 feet; Depth: 4 feet
Tonnage: 14 gross tons
Propulsion: Screw
Engine: 5-11×7, built by Davis Drydock Co.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The Isleway was a 55-foot steam yacht constructed in 1904 by Davis & Sons in Kingston, Ontario. Commissioned by the Isleway Fish and Game Club of Montreal, the yacht was designed for recreational use, specifically catering to the leisure activities of the club’s members. The vessel featured a screw propulsion system and had a gross tonnage of 14 tons, making it well-suited for leisurely cruises.

HISTORY #

The Isleway represented the height of recreational boating for its time, serving as the primary vessel for the Isleway Fish and Game Club of Montreal. Upon its launch, the club’s representatives planned a trial trip in Kingston before the yacht’s intended journey to Montreal. The yacht’s specifications—52 feet in length, 11 feet in width, and 4 feet in depth—were typical for steam yachts of that era, providing both comfort and adequate space for the club’s activities.

The engine, built by Davis Drydock Co., was a key feature of the yacht, enabling it to navigate the waters efficiently. Throughout its service, the Isleway was a symbol of prestige and leisure for the club members, who utilized it for various recreational activities.

However, the Isleway’s service was marred by a tragic incident. The yacht was destroyed by fire near Pembroke, Ontario. Although the exact date of the fire remains uncertain, the vessel’s records exist from 1892 to 1911. Prior to its final destruction, the Isleway had suffered earlier fire damage, which necessitated significant repairs at Davis’ dry dock during the winter. Despite these efforts, the vessel ultimately succumbed to another fire, ending its service prematurely.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Isleway was lost to a fire near Pembroke, Ontario. The yacht had previously undergone reconstruction due to fire damage, but it could not escape its eventual fate. The exact date of the final fire is not definitively known, but the vessel is documented to have been in service until at least 1911.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The specific location where the Isleway was lost is not precisely documented. The general area is near Pembroke, Ontario.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

Obstructions: No specific obstructions related to the wreck of the Isleway are noted in navigational charts.
Marking: The site of the fire is not marked on current maps, as the vessel was destroyed and not submerged.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

For additional information on the Isleway and similar vessels, the following resources may be useful:

Conclusion #

The Isleway’s unfortunate destruction highlights the dangers that even recreational vessels faced during the early 20th century. Despite its purpose as a leisure yacht for a prestigious club, the Isleway’s history was cut short by fire, a reminder of the unpredictable and often harsh conditions faced by maritime vessels of the era. The loss of the Isleway deprived the Isleway Fish and Game Club of a cherished yacht, underscoring the inherent risks of maritime recreation.

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