The Thomas McKay was a steamboat that was built in 1834. It had a rather short career due to unfortunate incidents. The vessel was supposed to be launched on May 31, 1834, but it encountered difficulties and was delayed. It finally began its service on April 2, 1834. According to the Kingston Whig, the Thomas McKay was known to be comfortable but plain in its design.
In November 1834, the Thomas McKay became frozen in at Bytown (now Ottawa) due to an early winter storm. Later, on October 21, 1835, while navigating the Rideau Canal near Merrickville, the steamboat struck a stump and sank.
Interestingly, the engine from the Thomas McKay was repurposed and used in the construction of another vessel called the Cataraqui.
During the same period, other steamboats were also being prepared for the opening of the Rideau Canal. Mr. Drummond’s steamboats, the Rideau and the Margaret, were fitted up and ready for operation. Additionally, a new boat built by Messrs. Parker, Valentine, and Bennett specifically for the Rideau Canal was launched and named the Thomas McKay. This vessel was 105 feet long, had an extreme breadth of 28 feet 6 inches, and a depth of hold of 6 feet 9 inches. It was powered by a 25-horsepower engine. The Thomas McKay had cabins with berths for passengers and featured a promenade deck. It had a draft of 2 feet 6 inches aft and 16 inches forward.
It is mentioned that another vessel called the Enterprise, belonging to Perth, which had been fitted up in the harbor the previous year, would likely also operate on the Rideau Canal.
