Ship Name: Master
Vital Statistics:
Length: 85' Beam: 19.5' Draft: 12' Tonnage: 91 t
Hull: Wood
Power source: 332 ihp; triple-expansion steam engine, oil. Originally built for the Royal
Navy, the engine was purchased post WWI as army surplus.
Built: By Arthur Moscrop at his Beach Avenue Shipyard in False Creek, 1922.
Master is the only wooden steam operated tug that survives today.
The tug Master was built by Arthur Moscrop at the Beach Avenue Shipyard in False Creek, where the Vancouver Aquatic Centre is today. Moscrop was a well-known tugboat builder and designer, and over saw the building of the RCMP Schooner, St. Roch.
What was Master used for?
The tug Master worked from 1922 to 1959 and was a common site in Vancouver waters.
It was originally built for Captain Herman Thorsen who was going to use it in a one-tug operation towing log booms from up the coast to the mills in False Creek, Vancouver. In 1940 the tug was purchased by the Marpole Towing Company, and was used to tow coal barges around Prince Rupert and the Queen Charlotte Islands, as well as across the Strait of Georgia to Coal Harbour in Vancouver.
What happened to the tug?
After 37 years of service Master had traveled over a million miles. In 1963, after years of sitting unattended and dilapidated, it was put up for sale for scrap. Two members from a local branch of the World Ship Society purchased the historic tug and sold shares to help cover their costs.
After thousands of volunteer hours and generous donations from local marine industries, the tug was restored and made sea worthy.
Master was transferred to the SS Master Society. With the generous support of a dedicated crew of volunteers, and financial contributions, the Society keeps the historic wooden tug afloat.
Was Master the first Carol Ship?
Before the Carol Ships started their parade of decorated ships, Master made 'Christmas Voyages' out to the ships anchored in the harbour. The tradition started in 1963 when Master towed a large decorated Christmas tree out to the ships anchored in Burrard Inlet.
The intent was to bring a little Christmas to the many ships and their crew who were far from home during the holidays.
Where is Master today?
This tug still operates on the original steam engine and its distinctive whistle can be heard when it steams to various festivals and events. When Master is not participating in maritime festivals around B.C., it can be found at the Vancouver Maritime Museum’s Heritage Harbour from May to September.
Look for its distinctive black-diamond painted funnel, the signature logo of the Marpole Towing Company.
For more information:
The SS Master Society: http://www.ssmaster.org/
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