The Launch of the Manitoba Ferry Charlie Sinclair

I have always been fascinated by the freshwater nautical heritage of western Canada. Recently I received some photographs of the Manitoba car and passenger ferry Charlie Sincliar From Garry Leach. The province of Manitoba has operated a small fleet of river and lake ferries for many years but I had not previously seen any images of them.

Garry Leach wrote "My company (United Towing Services Inc.) assisted the vessel builders in the launch of the vessel in Selkirk Manitoba in 1977 when the photos were captured. The vessel was essentially complete at the facility that built it. They hired our firm to move it to the launch ramp."

The truck provided by United Towing Serices Inc. (Photo from the Garry Leach collection.)

The passenger car ferry Charlie Sinclair was constructed at Selkirk Manitoba by the Purvis Navcon Shipyard Ltd. (ON 331329 IMO 8623315) She was 34.1m (112’) x 12.8m (42’) x 4.7m (7’) steel hulled 168.1 gt/rt. She was later renamed as the Charles Robert. She is apparently still in operation at the Southern Indian Lake Access Road Ferry Crossing.

Preparing to launch the Charlie Sinclair. (Photo from the Garry Leach collection.)

She cost $535,466 to construct. In 1978–1979 she was in service North Whiskey Jack to Cross Lake MB. In 1980 she was in service North Whiskey Jack to Pipestone MB. In 1981–1982 she was in service at Pipestone and in 1983–1984 in storage at Pipestone MB. In 1985–2003 she was in service at South Indian Lake (bay and community) MB carrying 16 cars / 96 passengers and operated by a crew of 4.

Preparing to launch the Charlie Sinclair. (Photo from the Garry Leach collection.)

The ferry Charlie Sinclair on the ways and ready to launch. (Photo from the Garry Leach collection.)

In 1977–1985 she was owned by Department of Renewable Resources & Transportation Services, Winnipeg MB. In 2003–2004 she was owned by the Manitoba Transportation & Government Services Department, Winnipeg MB. In 2012–2022 she was owned by the Minister of Infrastructure & Transportation, Winiipeg MB.

The the ferry Charlie Sinclair on the ways and ready to ‘let go’. (Photo from the Garry Leach collection.)