Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Thank you, so far the only info I have managed to find. Anybody know if Canada was behind or ahead?

I don't know. But on the American side, the gross registered tonnage of steamers first exceeded sailing ships in 1884. But since steamers were faster than sailing ships, they were likely carrying more cargo on a yearly basis well before 1884.

See the discussion starting on page 12 of this reference. Unfortunately, when these books were scanned, no one bothered to scan the charts and figures.



http://books.google.com/books?id=a6KDN_ ... &q&f=false

Does any one know which year steams vessels first carried more cargo on the lakes then sailing vessel?