One of the most interesting online transportation finds in our recent memory has to be the current listing for the MV Prescotont. A steel-hulled, 110-foot tugboat that had long and productive careers towing commercial barges on the St. Lawrence Seaway and Detroit River from 1930-70 and 1970-89 respectively, MV Prescotont was plucked from a Hamilton, Ontario shipyard where it faced demolition during the mid-1990s and then restored and refitted for the visionary new owner with cost no object. As offered, MV Prescotont is a luxurious, tastefully appointed, and fully operational family yacht that looks as though it should be featured in a home and design magazine.
The MV Prescotont was originally commissioned by the once-vast, proudly Canadian-owned Canadian Pacific Railway, and completed in just 90 days at the Davie Shipbuilding and Repairing Co. yard in Lauzon, Quebec. It was also a technology leader, having been the first diesel-electric vessel built in Canada. It also utilized a then-advanced remote-control system, developed by General Electric, whereby the Prescotont’s pilot would board the river barge under tow and control the Prescotont remotely from the barge. Its features and construction were documented in print in the December 1930 edition of Marine Review.
MV Prescotont entered service on September 10, 1930, and served a vital role, ferrying barges loaded with railroad cars across the St. Lawrence River between Prescott, Ontario, and Ogdensburg, New York ports on opposite shores of the vast St. Lawrence River. Cross-river traffic declined after the 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge was opened in 1960 and then in 1970, the Prescotont was reassigned to the Windsor/Detroit Barge Lines and operated on the Detroit River until 1989.
This historic vessel eventually migrated to a Hamilton, Ontario shipyard, and then in 1994, it was rescued and completely restored after being purchased in 1994 by its current owner. According to its sale listing, “Every aspect of its internal systems, from the engine and hydraulics to the electrical, plumbing, and communications systems, has been upgraded. Meticulous attention to detail and high-quality finishes are evident throughout the vessel, as showcased throughout the photos, videos, and the virtual tour.” The virtual tour is a must-see and visually describes the Prescotont’s quality and luxury.
Powering the vessel is a GM Cleveland 8V 278A 2-stroke diesel engine with closed cooling and approximately 1,800 running hours. Power is rated at 600 horsepower. Rightly considered one of the finest marine engines ever produced, the Cleveland 8V 278A traces its lineage to the Winton Gas Engine and Manufacturing Company founded by early Cleveland, Ohio automobile manufacturer Alexander Winton in 1912. This highly successful company was eventually purchased by General Motors in June 1930 and in 1938, renamed the Cleveland Diesel Engine Division of General Motors Corporation. The Model 278A design was incredibly flexible, offered in 6, 8, 12, and 16-cylinder versions, suited to a huge array of applications. This design remains a company signature, and its importance cannot be overstated, having powered many of America’s surface and submarine combat ships of WW II, plus cargo ships, tenders, and tugboats.
The MV Prescotont is currently harbored in Midland, on the shore of Georgian Bay in Central Ontario, where it is listed by sale by Cali Quigley of Maris Yachts of Toronto, Ontario.
A true piece of North American maritime history, MV Prescotont offers an incredibly rare opportunity to own and enjoy a large, one-of-a-kind vessel that seamlessly blends history and luxury. Features include three guest suites, a primary stateroom, two crew quarters, main and crew galleys, five heads (washrooms), and numerous places for relaxation and comfort spread across all four levels of the Prescotont. Ready for nautical adventures and exceptional travel opportunities with your family and friends, MV Precotont will offer all the comfort, fun, and luxury you desire, even while in port!
Remember, all information and specifications on MV Prescotont are subject to verification upon inspection by prospective purchasers and their marine surveyors, appraisers, and other qualified professionals. The MV Prescotont has been covered in YachtWorld and the vessel’s history and a reprint of the aforementioned Marine Review article are found at a special website dedicated to chronicling the MV Prescotont, including a photo gallery.
This historic and wonderfully restored and equipped luxury yacht is currently available for purchase with a $675,000 asking price in Canadian dollars, equivalent to $472,045 U.S. dollars as of March 17, 2025, when this article was published. If you’re ready to take your life to the next level, email Cali Quigley or call 416-565-7111 at Maris Yachts, located in Toronto, Ontario.
Editor’s Note; All images courtesy of the vessel’s broker and owner.
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