Russel Brothers Limited OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO Steelcraft Boat Builders
 |  |
|
P. J. Murer / Michael D. Misner
Thomas A. Payette / Progress
Wyatt M.
Steel diesel tug [C.179211] built by Russel Bros. at Owen Sound, Ontario, and launched as single screw P. J. Murer 1948 - 1986; renamed b] Michael D. Misner 1986 - 1994; renamed c] Thomas A. Payette 1994 - 1996; d] Progress 1996 - 2007 e] Wyatt M. 2007- present. In commission. See clipping file for pics and Menier Consol clipping file for additional pics. Canadian List of Shipping 1956: P. J. Murer [C.179211] registered at Montreal; built at Owen Sound in 1948. 80'3 x 20' x 9'7; 123 g.t.; 61 n.t.; 800 hp. Owned by The Canadian International Paper Co., Ltd., Montreal.
This classic single screw tugboat was built in 1948 by Russel Brothers of Owen Sound, ON as the P.J. Murer for the Canadian International Paper Company. In 1979 she was sold to Bishop Marine Construction. Great Lakes Contractors Inc. purchased the P.J. Murer in 1981 and renamed her Michael D. Misner. In 1993 she was acquired by Lower Lakes Towing of Port Dover, ON and renamed Thomas A. Payette. She was sold again in 1996, this time to Nadro Marine of Port Dover. She was renamed Progress that year. In the early 2000s, the Progress was acquired by McKeil Marine of Hamilton, ON. In 2006, McKeil renamed the tug Wyatt M. and she was based in Newfoundland for a time.
Type: Twin Screw Tugboat
Year Built: 1948
Builder: Russel Bros. Ltd., Owen Sound, ON
Engines: 2 Detroit 12V 149T
Horsepower: 2,000 bhp
Length: 85' Breadth: 20' Depth: 10' Port of Registry: Nanticoke, ON.
* 1948 until 1979 P.J. Murer was owned and operated by the Canadian International Paper Company
* 1979 she was sold to the Bishop Marine Construction Company and continued as P.J. Murer
* 1986 Great Lakes Contractors purchased the tug and renamed it Michael D. Misner
* 1993 Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. bought her and applied the name Thomas A. Payette
* 1996 Nadro Marine Services Ltd., Nanticoke, Ontario purchased her and renamed her Progress
* 1999 Rebuild: the "vessel was re-engined and twin screwed, also aft-end of deckhouse modified"
* 2007 name changed to Wyatt M.
|
| JPG |
Plans Nov. 28, 1985 revised Jan. 2000. |
PDF |
Assembly of P.J. Murer. Click to enlarge to 1024 pixels.
 |
 |
| Hull framing was completed on a special jig before the plates were fitted and welded inside and outside. |
Fore and aft split was first, then athwartships. Overhead cranes greatly assisted this operation. |
 |
 |
| Cast steel stern frame and keel remained completely welded. |
Blocking and strapping the two 24 ton aft section to flatcars. |
 |
 |
| Launching ways on the lake shore, ready for sliding sections. |
Crew quarters and wheelhouse fitted out at Owen Sound. |
|
 |
From Russel company brochure: STEELCRAFT TOWING.
Gerry Ouderkirk archive.
P. J. Murer on Lake Temiskaming, Ontario, Canada. Temiskaming Shores Public Library Archives, New Liskeard, Ontario.
photo source
P. J. Murer at Opimika, 1978. Photo by Fran�ois Ruph. Opimika is north east of North Bay Ontario. P. J. Murer
Vue de face du bateau P. J. Murer � Opimica.
Localisation : Opimica
Date : 1978
Auteur : Fran�ois Ruph Visionner sa collection
Ayant droit : C�gep de l'Abitibi-T�miscamingue.
http://monde.ccdmd.qc.ca/ressource/?id=35112
Nov. 23, 1979, after being sold to Bishop Marine Construction Company. Parry Sound North Star clipping courtesy Ann Norris. Caption reads: "Traffic was halted and spectators gathered to witness this unusual sight at Parry Sound's main intersection at 11:30am on Nov. 23rd (1979). The 85 foot tug, the P.J. Murer, was on the final lap of its four day journey from Lake Temiskaming to Parry Sound harbour. The Murer is thought to be one of the two largest boats ever transported by highway in Ontario. After launching this week the tug will make its way to Kingston where it will be used for icebreaking."
P.J. Murer being moved through Parry Sound, Ont., Nov. 23, 1979. Colour photographs courtesy of Rob Floyd, Aug. 16, 2018.
'My' former PJ Murer, 1980: ice breaker for Wolfe Islander III. Photo courtesy Brian Johnson.
 |
Historical Collections of the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Vessels Online Index
Photo by Wm. A. Schell source http://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessel/view/005103 Item 005103 |
MICHAEL D. MISNER in Port Dover, ON, Atomic behind. Photo courtesy Robert Cox.
MICHAEL D. MISNER in the St. Lawrence Seaway, Cote Ste-Catherine area in April 1986 near Montreal pushing a barge. Renamed 3 times since then, Thomas A. Payette, Progress and Wyatt M. Photo by Michel Richard, courtesy Rene Beauchamp.
Upbound in the Welland Canal in lock 8 at Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada. 1987.
Photographer - Jim Hoffman
Michael D. Misner. Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.
 |
Thomas A. Payette c. 1955. Photo courtesy Eira Voth. In 1993 Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. of Port Dover ON bought her and applied the name Thomas A. Payette, which lasted until 1996. Eira Voth comments (June 20, 2019): "Thomas A. Payette in the mid 50s. Teenage boy friend. We parted company about 1956, and I didn�t see him after that. All I can tell you is that as a young man he worked for Port Weller Dry Docks as did a number of the other young men in "my gang." He was a gentle person and an exceptional dancer. Pleasant memories. He died in Feb. 2001."
|
Thomas A. Payette O.N. 179211, Aug. 30, 1995 in the Welland Canal.
Photo by Jimmy Sprunt, boatnerd.com, courtesy Rene Beauchamp.
In an extensive 1999 rebuild, Progress was re-engined with twin Detroit 12V 149T 1000 hp diesels, and converted to twin screws. The aft-end of deckhouse was also modified" as noted in the Jan. 2000 revision of the boat plans.
Progress in Montreal, Sept. 21, 2001. Photo by Rene Beauchamp.
|
Progress in Hamilton, Dec. 9, 2001.
John McCreery (boatnerd.com).
Progress at the Nadro dock in Port Dover, 2004. She is the former P.J. Murer/Thomas Payette.
She is now under the McKeil banner.
McKeil tug Progress. More Welland Canal traffic by Alex Howard 9/27/04.
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_055.htm
McKeil tugs Progress and Glenevis arrive to assist the Canadian Ranger from the dry dock. Canadian Ranger
leaving Port Weller Dry Docks, St. Catharines, ON by Alex Howard 10/06/04.
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_062.htm
Jean Parisien forebody departs Port Weller Dry Docks for Port Colborne Photo Essay by Alex Howard
Leaving the dry dock 10/29/04. McKeil's tug Progress on the bow.
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_081.htm
Progress model by Dale Rex, displayed at Owen Sound Tugfest 2007.
SV notes on the varying paint colours: my photo of her in Nadro colours was probably taken in 2004. As for the other two photos, Progress was transferred from Nadro Marine to McKeil Workboats after McKeil bought controlling interest in Nadro. This is the blue and yellow paint scheme. However, in '05 McKeil had union troubles, and reorganized the company. This produced the orange and gray colour scheme.
Progress downbound the Welland Canal, Aug. 2005.
Photo by Mike Nicholls, boatnerd.com.
Progress on the Detroit River. Aug. 2005.
Photo by Mike Nicholls, boatnerd.com.
March 19th, 2006, Toronto. Towing Canadian Miner into Redpath Sugar slip.
From the Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.
|
March 19th, 2006, Toronto. Towing Canadian Miner into Redpath Sugar slip.
From the Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.
4/11/06 - Canadian Provider Delivered to Port Weller Drydock - Al Howard
Canadian Provider entered Lock 1 at 4:30 p.m. and was in drydock by 6:30 p.m. The tugs Vigilant , Progress, and Paul E.No.1 departed soon after.
boatnerd source: http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/newsthumbs_222.htm
From McKiel.com April 2007. More McKeil Russels: Glenevis and Atomic.
 |
 |
Builder's Plate from the Progress (ex P.J. Murer). |
|
Spring 2007: Name changed to Wyatt M. (O.N. 179211)
From the Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.
|
Spring 2007: Wyatt M. and Jarrett M.
From the Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.
|
WYATT M. Dec. 14, 2007 with Heddle's floating drydock deliverin a large piece of
equipment to the new generating station in Toronto. Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.
|
WYATT M. Dec. 14, 2007 with Heddle's floating drydock deliverin a large piece of
equipment to the new generating station in Toronto. Gerry Ouderkirk Collection.
|
Wyatt M (and James E. McGrath) docked at Hamilton, Dec. 26, 2007.
John McCreery (boatnerd.com).
|
Wyatt M & Jarrett M wintering at Toronto, Jan. 23, 2008.
Gerry Ouderkirk (boatnerd.com).
|
Wyatt M. Taken on January 25, 2009. Rick McGrath. Toronto Harbour.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/85827459@N00/3226761618
|
Wyatt M approaching the Burlington piers, Mar. 27, 2009.
John McCreery (boatnerd.com).
|
Kent Simpson notes (April 24, 2017): The Wyatt M is still in the blue and white paint of McKeil's and is still stationed in Bay Roberts Newfoundland.
This is a picture from the day I left Newfoundland to bring the Jarrett M back to Hamilton. Wyatt M (ex P.J. Murer) alongside. |
Photos from Shipspotting.com (downloaded May 2017)
http://www.shipspotting.com/ships/ship.php?imo=8974178
 |
July 2003. Tug Progress in East-end Montreal at Montreal Boatman / McKeil base. Photo by Lanaud. |
 |
May 13, 2005. Off to assist Spar Ruby to her berth in Hamilton,ON. Photo by Matt Ruscher. |
 |
Dec. 28, 2005. Progress (Tug) On winter layup at Toronto. Photo by Jim Gallacher. |
 |
Jan. 25, 2006. At lay-up, Toronto. Photo by Vedran Mlacic. |
 |
Mar. 16, 2006. tugboat PROGRESS heading back to home base after helping CANADIAN OLYMPIC back up into port weller dry dock. Photo by Michel Gosselin. |
 |
June 16, 2006. McKeil Marine tug PROGRESS is shown while towing the barge WINDOC upbound in the Welland Canal, 3:53 p.m. 16 June 2006. PROGRESS was the lead tug on the tow, with SEAHOUND and VAC on the stern of the WINDOC acting as brakes. Photo by Jeff Thoreson. |
 |
June 16, 2006. McKeil�s tug Progress � pulling Windoc; upbound Welland Canal; departing lock 3 @ 1236 hrs. Photo by Vedran Mlacic. |
 |
June 16, 2006. tugboat PROGRESS is pulling the barge WINDOC out of lock 1. they`re heading upbund toward lock 2. they`re destination is wharf 17(old furnace dock) in port colborne. Photo by Michel Gosselin. |
 |
June 17, 2006. Progress working in Port Colborne harbour, at the top of the Welland canal. Photo by Paul Beesley. |
 |
June 28, 2006. Tug PROGRESS is shown while trailing the tow of the D.C. EVEREST upbound in the Welland Canal above Lock 2, 7:36 a.m. Photo by Jeff Thoreson. |
 |
June 28, 2006. Tug PROGRESS is shown while trailing the tow of the D.C. EVEREST upbound in the Welland Canal above Lock 2, 7:36 a.m. Photo by Jeff Thoreson. |
 |
June 28, 2006. A close-up of PROGRESS while upbound Welland Canal astern of D.C. EVERETT. She is about to enter lock 8 @ 1431 hrs on June 28, 2006. Photo by Vedran Mlacic. |
 |
June 28, 2006. Tugboat PROGRESS at the stern of D.C. EVEREST just as they exit lock 2. They're heading upbound toward lock 3. They're destination is wharf 55 in Port Colborne. Photo by Michel Gosselin. |
 |
Oct. 9, 2006. Progress & barge below Montreal, Quebec with the Amoy in background. Photo by Paul Beesley. |
 |
Sept. 21, 2006. McKeil's tug Progress in Sorel-Tracy. Photo by Mathieu Larochelle. |
 |
Mar. 20, 2007. WYATT M is downbound Welland Canal, approaching northwest wall of lock 3. She was employed in icebreaking activities on this first day of 2007 shipping season. Photo by Vedran Mlacic. |
 |
Apr. 8, 2007. Seen along side the COMEAUDOC after the scrap tow to Port Colborne. Apr 11/07. Photo by Jim Winsor. |
 |
Apr. 10, 2007. Wyatt M delivers the Caribou Isle from drydock in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Apr 11/07. Photo by Paul Beesley. |
 |
Apr. 19, 2008. Side view of tug WYATT M. She's getting ready to help CANADIAN TRANSPORT to back up in the dry dock. Photo by Michel Gosselin. |
 |
Apr. 19, 2008. A different view of tug WYATT M. She's pushing the stern of CANADIAN TRANSPORT so she can turn around & back up into the dry dock. Photo by Michel Gosselin. |
 |
Apr. 24, 2008. Bow view of tugboat WYATT M as she's moving in lock 3 in St. Catharines, ON. She's pulling the WINDOC for the 2nd time in almost 2 years. They're destination is wharf 52 by lock 1 in the Welland canal. Photo by Michel Gosselin. |
 |
Apr. 24, 2008. WYATT M - Photographed at Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada as she was beginning to tow the former WINDOC hull downbound through the Welland Canal. Photo by Jeff Cameron. |
 |
Apr. 24, 2008. Bow view of tugboat WYATT M as she's moving in lock 3 in St. Catharines, ON. She's pulling the WINDOC for the 2nd time in almost 2 years. They're destination is wharf 52 by lock 1 in the Welland canal. Photo by Michel Gosselin. |
 |
WYATT M Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Wyatt M departing Hamilton harbour 2009-03-31 12:18. Photographer John McCreery. |
 |
Aug. 10, 2010. The McKiel Marine tug Wyatt M holds a barge near the end of Habitat Park across from Montreal's Old Port August 11, 2010. She is assisting in the placement of a prototype hydro electric turbine in the St Lawrence river. Photo by Dennis J. Dubinsky. |
 |
Aug. 11, 2010. (L-R) The McKiel Marine tugs Jarrett M and Wyatt M hold a barge with a crane and prototype hydro electric turbine against a jack up barge in the St Marys current on the St Lawrence river. Photo by Dennis J. Dubinsky. |
 |
Aug. 18, 2010. The McKeil Marine tug helps hold Wyatt M hold a barge in place as a crane sets a prototype hydro electric turbine in the St Marys current on the St. Lawrence river. Photo by Dennis J. Dubinsky. |
 |
Dec. 8, 2010. Stop in Gasp� with Barge Jack-up 600. Photo by Michel Tremblay. |
 |
Dec. 8, 2010. Take shelter in Gasp� Harbour on the way Back to Sorel Base of Mckeil Marine. Photo by Michel Tremblay. |
Wyatt M. and Jarrett M. in Toronto.
Wyatt M., Port Dover, Apr. 28, 2019. Photo by Pete Spencer.
Repainting Wyatt M., Port Dover, May 12, 2019. Photo by Robert Cox.
Wyatt M. in Port Dover, photos by Helen Bingleman.
 May 28, 2019 |
 May 28, 2019 |
May 21, 2019: You always see something fascinating at the Port Dover, Ontario pier. Here's the McKeil Marine "Wyatt M" leaving for a journey. The Wyatt M is a 25 tonne bollard pull harbour and coastal towing tug. A reliable and versatile unit, the Wyatt M serves the Project fleet. With a Length O.A. 85' 25.90 m, Breadth O.A. 20' 6.10 m, Depth Mld. 10' 3.04 m and a Mean Draft 8� 6� 2.59 m, this tug was built for heavy duty work! Steel diesel tug [C.179211] built by Russel Bros., {Russel Brothers Boats} at Owen Sound, Ontario, and launched as P. J. Murer 1948. Awesome, isn't it! www.earlhartlen.com
July 9, 2019: Had an opportunity to take some photos of a great tug, the "Wyatt M". Port Dover, Ontario is home base to one of McKeil Marine locations. Manned by highly skilled crew, their ever-growing diverse and versatile fleet of tugs, barges and workboats, operate throughout the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, east coast and the Canadian Arctic. I personally know a few of their employees and these people are incredible at any task that open waters throws at them! Amazing, how diverse Port Dover is for businesses. McKeil Marine's "Wyatt M" is a 25 tonne bollard pull harbour and coastal towing tug. A reliable and versatile unit, the Wyatt M serves the Project fleet. With a Length O.A. 85' 25.90 m, Breadth O.A. 20' 6.10 m, Depth Mld. 10' 3.04 m and a Mean Draft 8� 6� 2.59 m, this tug was built for heavy duty work! Steel diesel tug [C.179211] built by Russel Bros., {Russell Brothers Boats} at Owen Sound, Ontario, and launched as P. J. Murer 1948. www.earlhartlen.com
Aug. 10, 2019. Earl Hartlen Sr. comments:
Went down to take a good look at the "Wyatt M" to see first hand the incredible job my good friend Kevin Hoover has done on refinishing her. I was also blown away by the water level as we watched it come over the riverbank dock and chase us away..lol. McKeil Marine's "Wyatt M" is a 25 tonne bollard pull harbour and coastal towing tug. A reliable and versatile unit, the Wyatt M serves the Project fleet. With a Length O.A. 85' 25.90 m, Breadth O.A. 20' 6.10 m, Depth Mld. 10' 3.04 m and a Mean Draft 8� 6� 2.59 m, this tug was built for heavy duty work! Steel diesel tug [C.179211] built by Russel Bros., {Russell Brothers Boats} at Owen Sound, Ontario, and launched as P. J. Murer 1948. What an incredible tug , don't you think?
Photographer: Marc Pich�. WYATT M upbound on the St. Lawrence River off Verch�res on April 23, 2019. http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=3033297
For more Russel exhibits visit Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum 1165 1st Ave West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
(519) 371-3333  http://marinerail.com |
|
|
|
|
|
