Wisconsin's Great Lakes Shipwrecks - Explore Shipwrecks - Fleetwing
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Depth: 5-25 Feet    | Condition: In six main pieces, scattered along more than 540 feet
       

The Fleetwing is accessible by shore entry via the public boat landing at Garrett Bay in Hedgehog Harbor. Several large pieces of the wreck rest approximately 110 to 500 feet from shore LORAN : 32041.11 / 48006.22; GPS : N 45 ° 17.25' / W 87 ° 02.99').

The site covers an area approximately 83 by 550 feet and is situated on a sloping bottom of stone, sand, and clay in 5 to 25 feet of water. Surface water temperatures in the summer average 50-70º Fahrenheit. In addition to great seasonal water temperature fluctuations, the site is subject to disturbances from waves and ice shoves. Solid sheets of ice form over the site in the winter, and ice shoves can further damage the wreckage.

The Fleetwing has broken up into four main sections: 

Section A

This is the largest portion of the wreck. It is closest to shore and is located on a sloping rocky bottom. It runs from 11 to 13 feet deep.

This main section of the site consists of the vessel's heavy keelson assembly and bilges. These include the keel , keelsons, floors, lower portion of the centerboard trunk, and mast steps. The mast steps and centerboard trunk are clearly visible. The centerboard trunk is especially interesting because little information on their construction exists in the historical record. The upper part of the trunk lies northeast of the boat launch in approximately 15 feet of water.

Another notable feature is a pyramid of eight keelsons, which gave the vessel great longitudinal strength. These timbers prevented the ends of the schooner from sagging when she carried heavy cargoes.

Some debris has gathered along the northeast side of Section A, which seems to be the most exposed to wave action. The southwest side is better protected and therefore better preserved.

Some debris has gathered along the northeast side of Section A, which seems to be the most exposed to wave action. The southwest side is better protected and therefore better preserved.

 

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