In 1843, the "Peninsula Packet", a converted steamboat, which was propelled by paddle wheels driven by horses was pressed into service for the hotel. The ferry operated until 1850.In 1853, the hotel came under new management again, that of John Quinn. Quinn introduced another steam ferry, the "Victoria". Competition for the ferry business came the next year when Robert Moodie introduced his own the steam ferry, the "Bob Moodie". Quinn responded with another vessel, the "Welland", another steam ferry. In 1857, Moodie added the "Lady Head" steam vessel. A vicious storm hit the island on April 13, 1858, destroying Quinn's hotel and the Parkinson's hotel and creating a -wide eastern gap making the previous peninsula an island.