FOR SALE

In 1966 the Royal Canadian Navy requisitioned Hull # 216, ammunition  lighter. and designed and built a replica of the SS BEAVER as she was during those days gone by. This project was the Navy's contribution to the celebration of the Colonial Union Centennial Celebrations of Vancouver Island and the colony on mainland British Columbia joining.

The SS Beaver carried political leaders and citizens to the original Beavers ports of call up and down the coast and the Gulf of Alaska. Under the command of Lt Sturgess and McIlwaine, as in her parent’s tradition, she began a period of being bought and sold. Fort Langley was next in line to own her, then Embyn Enterprises, and later Georgia Towing. Her next owner, Colleen Whitney, had her refit with more creature comforts, and operated a successful charter business with Captain Anchaeus at the helm.

1986 found her being sold once again and refit for the glorious days of Expo86 when she carried celebrities and dignitaries to various functions of thecelebration. In 1995 she was sold and the owners brought her to Victoria and operated successfully for five years. In 2001 she was laid up and was dormant for 4 years until 2004 when her bottom was recertified and the upper works having undergone major renovations 

 

Her lower deck dance floor has been replaced with real yellow cedar hardwood flooring. with an addition of a brand new aft deck Current spending has reached over 1.5 Million in the last ten years.

Today we share the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s (GVHA) Vision, Mandate, and Values “Envisioning a harbour where people live, learn, work, and play; a spectacular gateway into Victoria's past and into its future, monumental in look and feel, linking communities and all people together” That’s is exactly what the SS Beaver is all about and we need a new owner to help to assist us on our journey. 

This will be an excellent marketing and revenue opportunity for all involved.

 

Our mission is to create “History, Community and Fun”. Our goal is to reintroduce the SS Beaver to Canada and her rich heritage - to recapture Canada's interest and pride for this beautiful, unique vessel. In the past 6 years, we have spent close to a million and half dollars and invested a lot of sweat equity; we are in the final stages of bringing the SS Beaver back to her grace and glory.

The Hudson’s Bay Company, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and the Canadian Navy are onboard. Our Canadian Navy built the replica ship. Currently, we wat to open a dialog with the Vancouver Maritime Museum and negotiate with a variety of companies, organizations, art galleries and museums, inviting them join us on this project. To date, everyone we have spoken to has shown great excitement for the SS Beaver. We have also had discussions with Tourism Victoria.

We have successfully obtained some of the ship’s plans and other records documenting the history of the SS Beaver. We continue to gather records and articles of historical significance to add to the collection. Our goal is to display these historic items for public viewing to develop awareness and to educate the curious. To accomplish this, we plan to provide onboard information sessions free of charge, and work together with other nonprofit organizations and local community groups. We want and need to give back to our local community. One way this can be accomplished is by enlightening the public on historical events which involved the original SS Beaver. This little piece of Canadian history is equally important to those that live here and those who are visiting.

In today’s tough economy it’s time to think outside the box and look for diversity in obtaining everybody's objectives. We believe working as a team will create a winning situation for a new owner and the SS Beaver, thus ensuring a successful and vibrant business with added cultural and community value. 

The SS Beaver is moored at Ship's Point, in the heart of Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour, There being a perfect location for any business.

Principle Particulars of the Vessel 

Length B.P. 30.40 M

Breadth excl. Paddle Wheel Boxes 5.50 M                                                                                                                      

Depth 2.00 M

Gross Tonnage 154.3

Port of Registry Vancouver, BC TC Certification: Home Trade IV (approval pending)

Number of Passengers 100. Dockside Passengers 200                       Number of Crew when cruising 6

Lightship Displacement 171.59 L/Tons

Main Engines 2 x Caterpillar D337 developing 254ph each @ 1,600 rpm