MV Rattlesnake facts for kids
| History | |
|---|---|
| Canada | |
| Name |
|
| Owner | J. M. Robinson |
| Operator | Okanagan Lake Boat Company |
| Port of registry | New Westminster 111610 |
| Route | Summerland-Naramata |
| Launched | 1907 |
| In service | 1907 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Ferry |
| Tonnage | 12.4 gross, 8.56 registered |
| Length | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Beam | 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m) |
The MV Rattlesnake was a special ferry boat launched in 1907. It helped people and goods travel across Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, Canada. This boat connected the towns of Summerland and Naramata.
The Rattlesnake Ferry
The Rattlesnake was not always called by that name. Its first name was Orillia. A pioneer named John Moore Robinson bought the boat. He owned a company called the Okanagan Lake Boat Company. Mr. Robinson decided to rename the boat Rattlesnake.
A New Boat for the Lake
The Rattlesnake was launched in 1907. It was the second boat for Mr. Robinson's company. The first boat was a tug called the Maude-Moore. The Rattlesnake was also the third ferry to serve the Summerland-Naramata route. The other ferries were the Maude-Moore and a smaller boat called the Mallard.
What the Rattlesnake Did
At first, the Rattlesnake was used as Mr. Robinson's own private boat. Soon after, it began its work as a ferry. The Rattlesnake was described as a short, wide, and slow boat. It sat low in the water. But even though it might not have looked fancy, it was very strong!
The Rattlesnake was a powerful tugboat. It pulled heavy things across the lake. For example, it tugged cement pipes from factories. It also carried hay and logs. This helped the communities around Okanagan Lake grow.
End of Service
In 1911, the Okanagan Lake Boat Company was sold. A new owner named Peter Roe took over. He decided to replace the older boats. The Maude-Moore and the Rattlesnake were replaced by two newer gas-powered boats. This marked the end of the Rattlesnake's time as a working ferry on Okanagan Lake.
