MV Skookum (1906)
Ferry of British Columbia, Canada
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MV Skookum, also known as the Tut Tut, was a passenger ferry boat that operated on Okanagan Lake in British Columbia. The ferry was put into service on April 2, 1906[1] and was the first official government-subsidized ferry between the communities of Kelowna and Westbank, now West Kelowna.[2]
- Len A. Hayman (1907–1911)
- Okanagan Lake Boat Company (1911–)
| History | |
|---|---|
| Canada | |
| Operator |
|
| Route | Kelowna-Westbank |
| Builder | H. B. D. Lysons |
| In service | 2 April 1906 |
| Nickname(s) | Tut Tut |
| Status | Registry closed |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Ferry |
| Length | 30 ft (9.1 m) |
| Beam | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Draught | 2 ft (0.61 m) |
| Installed power | Turscott one-cylinder, 7 hp (5.2 kW) engine |
| Speed | 8–10 mph (13–16 km/h; 7.0–8.7 kn) |
| Capacity | 20 passengers |
Skookum was built by H. B. D. Lysons and measured 30 feet (9.1 m) by 6 feet (1.8 m) by 2 feet (0.61 m). The small ferry was equipped with a Turscott single-cylinder seven horsepower engine, allowing her to reach speeds between 8 and 10 miles per hour (12.8 - 16 km/h).[3]
The Skookum had a passenger capacity of 20 and costed 25 cents per person and one dollar per horse.[4] In addition, Skookum had a scow that was 40 feet (12 m) by 16 feet (4.9 m) by 4 feet (1.2 m) to handle livestock or one vehicle. Since there was no two-way radio for communications onboard, two fires would be lit beside the ferry dock as a signal to the captain that a scow was needed for the next run.[5] Skookum was granted a CAD$1000 per year subsidy to run two round trips daily, except Sundays, for three years.[6]
In 1907, the ferry charter was bought by Captain Len A. Hayman, who continued the service until 1911, when the Okanagan Lake Boat Company, owned by Peter Roe, took her over.[7] Roe and his brothers, Fred and Gerald, then operated Skookum and another ship, MV Trepanier, for many years.[8]