Bailey Gatzert (sternwheeler)
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The Bailey Gatzert was a sternwheel steamboat that ran on the Columbia River and Puget Sound from the 1890s to the 1920s. This vessel was considered one of the finest of its time.[1] It was named after Bailey Gatzert, an early businessman and mayor of Seattle, who was one of the closest friends and business associates of John Leary – the person who financed the ship.[2]
Quick Facts History, General characteristics ...
Bailey Gatzert approaching Cascade Locks, circa 1910 | |
History | |
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Name | Bailey Gatzert |
Route | Puget Sound (several routes), Columbia River |
Builder | J.J. Holland yard, Ballard, Washington |
Launched | 1890 |
In service | 1890 |
Out of service | 1925 |
Fate | Dismantled |
Notes | Reconstructed and enlarged 1907, later converted to auto ferry |
General characteristics | |
Type | inland steamship |
Tonnage | 276 |
Length | 177 ft (53.9 m), and after reconstruction, 191 ft (58.2 m) |
Beam | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
Depth | 8 ft (2 m) depth of hold |
Decks | three (freight, passenger, boat) |
Installed power | twin horizontally mounted steam engines, wood-fuel until 1907; thereafter an oil-burner |
Propulsion | sternwheel |
Speed | 18 knots (approx. 20 miles per hour) |
Capacity | Licensed in 1907 to regularly carry 350 passengers and 625 on excursions. |
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Bailey Gatzert probably carried more passengers than any other Columbia River steamer.[3] It was considered to be one of the most beautiful river boats, mainly because its upper deck ran all the way out to the bow.[4]