History of the Bailey Gatzert
The Puget Sound region saw growth in population and technology during the 1880’s and 1890’s. The sternwheeler Bailey Gatzert was one of the fastest Mosquito Fleet vessels at the time of her launch. Navigation was dangerous due to fog, rain, water conditions, collisions and fire from boiler explosions. The skill and experience to navigate safely took years for a captain to acquire.
As automobiles became the way of travel and roads improved, passenger travel fell off. The first vessel to be converted to and automobile ferry was the Bailey Gatzert.
Builder: J.J. Holland yard, Ballard, Washington
Launched: 1890
In service: 1890
Out of service: 1925
Fate: Dismantled
Notes: Reconstructed in 1907 converted to auto ferry.
Type: Inland steamship
Tonnage: 276
Length: 177’ (53.9m), after reconstruction 191’ (58.2m)
Depth: 8’ (2m) depth of hold
Decks: Three (freight, passenger, boat)
Installed power: Twin mounted steam engines wood fuel. After 1907, oil-burner.
Propulsion: Sternwheel
Speed: 18 knots (approx. 20 miles per hour)
Capacity: Licensed in 1907 to carry 350 passengers and 625 on excursions.
Model:
PSMHS catalog #: PS685.1
Title: Bailey Gatzert
Year created: 1962
Description: Full hull model of sternwheel steamer.
Vessel type: Passenger Ferry
Propulsion: Steamship
Material: Wood
Dimensions: H=15, W= 8, L=32 inches
Scale: 1/8” = 1’
Photography by: C. Slettebak-Rood
