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NavSource Online:
Section Patrol Craft Photo Archive

SP-246
ex-Niagara (SP 246)

Motorboat:

  • Built in 1913 by the Matthews Boat Co., Port Clinton, OH
  • Commissioned USS Niagara (SP 246), 1 May 1917
  • Delivered to the Navy 9 June 1917
  • Renamed SP-246 in 1918
  • Struck from the Navy Register 20 March 1919 and returned to her owner
  • Fate unknown.

    Specifications:

  • Displacement 46 t.
  • Length 80' 6"
  • Beam 14' 4"
  • Draft 4' 6"
  • Speed 12 kts.
  • Complement 11
  • Armament: One 3-pounder, one 1-pounder, and two machine guns
  • Propulsion: Two 150hp 6-cylinder Sterling gasoline engines, two shafts.
    Click on thumbnail
    for full size image    		 Size Image Description Source
    Niagara 222k Photographed in the Great Lakes area, prior to World War I
    Courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute, Annapolis, Maryland
    Collection of James C. Fahey
    Naval History and Heritage Command photo NH 68590    		 Ramon Jackson
    Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships History: The fourth Niagara (SP-246), a motor boat, was built by Matthews Boat Co., Port Clinton, Ohio, in 1913, acquired by the Navy on lease from Lawrence D. Buhl, Detroit, Mich., 9 June 1917 and commissioned the same day.

    She served as a motor patrol boat in the 9th Naval District until returned to her owner 20 March 1919.
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