Vessel Types

As a center of maritime commerce on a major Great Lakes trade route, Thunder Bay has accumulated an impressive array of shipwrecks. These wrecks are representative of Great Lakes vessel construction and technology as it developed over the past two hundred years.

This page contains links to the two main categories of commercial vessels - sail and steam - that have traveled the Great Lakes. Descriptions of the major subtypes within each category are provided, including examples of those types believed to have sunk in the vicinity of Thunder Bay.

Commercial Sailing Vessels:

Square Rig

Fore-and-Aft Rigs:

Sloops Schooners Scows Schooner-Barges and Tow-Barge System Grand Haven Rig

Commercial Steam Vessels:

Sidewheel Steamers

Wooden Propellers

Steel Propellers

Motor-Powered Vessels

Unpowered Vessels