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| Depth: |
5-25 Feet | |
Condition: |
In six main pieces,
scattered along more than 540 feet |
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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.
continued
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