The Turret Vessels

One of the unconventional types which appeared in the lakes and canals in the early 1900's was the Turret vessel. Six of these vessels, which were built by William Doxford and Sons in England about 1894, were originally brought to Canada to carry coal from the Maritimes to Montreal. When the contract expired the vessels were operated through the canals to the Upper Lakes as bulk freighters.

Fig. 25 Midship Section of "Turret" Type Vessel Walter Inkster ex Turret Cape

The unusual midship shape can be seen in Fig. 25 which has been reproduced from the builder's plan. The object of the turret form was to reduce the gross tonnage by taking advantage of the breadth clause in the old rules. This form enabled the vessels to carry a full deadweight of bulk cargoes with a much lower gross tonnage than conventional ships of the same dimensions, thereby gaining advantages in the payment of port dues, etc. The photograph of the Turret Crown, Fig. 26, shows the general layout of these vessels. The rounded deck edge was gradually eased out to normal form at the ends, which, by the way, are much finer than in the true canaller.

Fig. 26 The Turret Crown, Built in 1894

The last of these vessels, the Turret Cape was converted to a tow barge but in the early part of the last war was refitted and a Diesel engine installed. The ship was used during the war in the West Indies bauxite trade and is still in existence, now 60 years old, as the Walter Inkster, owned by Colonial Steamships Limited (10).

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This paper was presented at a meeting of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and is reproduced with permission.