The diesel driven boats really couldn't be called steamers anymore, but Steamer became the colloquialism of any lake freighter or oreboat. All boats, of any length, whatever the engine type, are said to be steaming along while under way. So, to keep the table below simple, all power boats, whether for freight or any mixed cargo, are called Steamers. Schooners, Barks and Brigs are sail boats. Barges are specialized scows built for that purpose, or cut down from sail boats.
Tugs are small harbor craft for towing.
Sidewheeler, length is given in feet. Thunder Bay Island. Nearly all the steamers, wood or steel were propeller driven. Today the term Freighter is the common term for the lake boats. SE of TBI Collision Blanchard, B. W. Steamer, Wd.