Bailey Gatzert (sternwheeler)

Bailey Gatzert approaching Cascade Locks, circa 1910
History
NameBailey Gatzert
RoutePuget Sound (several routes), Columbia River
BuilderJ.J. Holland yard, Ballard, Washington
Launched1890
In service1890
Out of service1925
FateDismantled
NotesReconstructed and enlarged 1907, later converted to auto ferry
General characteristics
Typeinland steamship
Tonnage276
Length177 ft (53.9 m), and after reconstruction, 191 ft (58.2 m)
Beam32 ft (9.8 m)
Depth8 ft (2 m) depth of hold
Decksthree (freight, passenger, boat)
Installed powertwin horizontally mounted steam engines, wood-fuel until 1907; thereafter an oil-burner
Propulsionsternwheel
Speed18 knots (approx. 20 miles per hour)
CapacityLicensed in 1907 to regularly carry 350 passengers and 625 on excursions.

The Bailey Gatzert was a sternwheel steamboat that ran on the Columbia River and Puget Sound, in Washington state, US, 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]

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]

  1. ^ Schwantes, Carlos Arnaldo (1999). Long Day's Journey - The Steamboat and Stagecoach Era in the Northern West. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press. p. 364. ISBN 0-295-97691-8.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference FamousOldSternwheeler was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Timmen, Fritz (1973). Blow for the Landing -- A Hundred Years of Steam Navigation on the Waters of the West. Caldwell, ID: Caxton Printers. pp. 211–217. ISBN 0-87004-221-1. LCCN 73150815.
  4. ^ Lauritz, Phyllis (Sep 14, 1947). "Feats of River Boat Days Retold by Columbia Vets". Sunday Oregonian. Vol. 66, no. 37. p.22, col.6.