Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: MARY H. BOYCE
• Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel
• Year Built: 1888
• Builder: Grand Haven, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length 181 ft (60 m); Beam 34 ft (10.4 m); Depth of hold 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 863 tons (after 1918 rebuild)
• Location: Fort William, Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada
• Official Number: U92033
• Original Owners: Sherman H. Boyce and others; F.W. Smith and others; American Ship Building Company; N.M. Paterson & Co. Ltd.
• Number of Masts: Two masts

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The MARY H. BOYCE was a wooden propeller-driven vessel constructed in 1888 and underwent several rebuilds during its service life. Initially designed with a single deck, the vessel was later equipped with two decks and multiple masts to accommodate increased cargo capacity. Its use evolved from general shipping to serving as a grain transfer vessel.

Description

The MARY H. BOYCE reflects the evolution of Great Lakes vessels, demonstrating adaptability to meet changing economic demands. Initially built for general cargo, it transitioned into a specialized grain transfer vessel. Its scuttling in 1933 marked the end of a long career and serves as a testament to the shifting priorities and challenges of maritime commerce in the Great Lakes region.

History

Construction and Early Years (1888–1896)

• Built: 1888 in Grand Haven, Michigan.
• Initial Owners: Sherman H. Boyce and others from Grand Haven, Michigan.
• Design: Single-deck wooden vessel measuring 181.4 feet in length, 34.2 feet in width, and 14 feet in depth.
• Rebuild (1891): Converted to a two-deck vessel with three masts; gross tonnage increased to 932.33 tons.

Technological Upgrades

• Reboilered (1896): Installed a scotch boiler by Wickes Brothers, producing 140 pounds of steam.

Ownership Changes and Rebuilds

• April 1899: Went ashore in Grand Haven, Michigan.
• February 1902: Acquired by F.W. Smith and others from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• April 1902: Rebuilt; span deck removed, and vessel equipped with two masts.
• August 1912: Purchased by the American Ship Building Company, Cleveland, Ohio.
• 1916-1917: Ownership transferred to Peterson & Collings, Oswego, New York, and then to Robert McCormick, Chicago, Illinois.
• 1918 Rebuild: Sold to the Ontario Transportation Company in Thorold, Ontario. Reconstructed with two decks, resulting in updated dimensions and a gross tonnage of 863 tons.

Final Years and Disposition

• March 1922: Purchased by N.M. Paterson & Co. Ltd., Fort William, Ontario.
• 1922-1928: Modified to serve as a grain transfer vessel for operations in Fort William and Port Arthur.
• 1928: Damaged by fire in Fort William; towed to a boneyard and abandoned.
• 1933: Scuttled as part of a government contract. The final resting place remains significant for historical research and exploration.

Significant Incidents

• April 1899: Went ashore in Grand Haven, Michigan.
• February 1902: Acquired by F.W. Smith and others from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• August 1912: Purchased by the American Ship Building Company, Cleveland, Ohio.
• 1928: Damaged by fire in Fort William; towed to a boneyard and abandoned.

Final Disposition

The MARY H. BOYCE was scuttled in 1933 as part of a government contract, marking the end of its service. The wreck site is of interest for historical research and exploration.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the MARY H. BOYCE is confirmed to be located in Lake Superior, but specific details regarding its current condition and accessibility for divers are not provided.

Resources & Links

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The MARY H. BOYCE serves as a significant historical artifact, representing the evolution of maritime commerce in the Great Lakes. Its wreck is a point of interest for divers and historians alike.