In the annals of maritime history, few vessels tell a story as captivating as the Taconite, a 125-foot luxury yacht that emerged from the shipyards of Vancouver in 1930. Commissioned by William Boeing, the aviation pioneer whose name would become synonymous with global air travel, this magnificent wooden vessel represents a remarkable testament to craftsmanship that has ironically aged far more gracefully than Boeing’s contemporary reputation in the aerospace industry.
Built during the Great Depression, the Taconite was no ordinary pleasure craft. Constructed entirely of rare Burmese teak, the yacht cost an astronomical US$421,000 at the time—equivalent to nearly $6 million today. It was rumored to be the largest privately-owned yacht in Canadian waters, a floating symbol of industrial wealth and technological prowess. The vessel boasted five luxurious staterooms, a formal dining room, and a salon complete with a wood-burning fireplace, offering a level of maritime comfort that would make modern yacht owners green with envy.
The yacht’s historical significance extends far beyond its opulent design. It was the first recreational vessel in North America to operate with ship’s radar, and it played a crucial role in Boeing’s early communications technology development. William Boeing used the boat to test two-way radio communications that would later revolutionize his airmail service. The Taconite wasn’t just a plaything for the wealthy; it was a floating laboratory of innovation.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the yacht’s name carries a story of its own. “Taconite” references the low-grade iron ore from Minnesota’s Mesabi Range, where Boeing’s father had made a substantial fortune in mining. This connection highlights how the seeds of Boeing’s aviation empire were ironically planted not in the skies, but in the rocky landscapes of northern Minnesota. The yacht became a floating tribute to the family’s entrepreneurial journey.
The vessel has hosted an impressive roster of guests throughout its lifetime. Legendary aviator Amelia Earhart once walked its teak decks, and decades later, Hollywood royalty like Al Pacino and Robin Williams used it as a floating hotel during film shoots. Its most recent claim to fame might be its remarkable resilience—while Boeing’s current aircraft have faced significant credibility challenges, this wooden wonder from 1930 continues to sail, a silent testament to superior craftsmanship.
In a delicious twist of irony, while Boeing’s modern 737 MAX aircraft have become synonymous with technical difficulties and safety concerns, the Taconite remains a symbol of impeccable engineering. One could argue that this wooden yacht has maintained a better reputation in its ninth decade than Boeing’s current commercial aircraft have in their first decade. The company that revolutionized air travel now watches as a wooden boat built by its founder continues to command admiration and respect. Interestingly the recent financial troubles also forced Boeing to sell its other superyacht, 151-foot-long Daedalus.
The Taconite’s journey hasn’t been without drama. In 2018, it was sold to a mysterious foreign buyer, sparking concerns among maritime historians and yacht enthusiasts. Rumors suggested the boat might be relocated to the Bahamas, a prospect that horrified its previous caretakers who feared the tropical climate would destroy the meticulously maintained wooden structure.
Jim Walters, the yacht’s long-time chief engineer, was particularly vocal about preserving this maritime treasure, warning that the heat and humidity could reduce the vessel to splinters within years. The vessel’s AIS transponders have stopped emitting location data since the end of 2023 after reaching the Mexican beach town of Mazatlan, according to Marine Traffic.
Today, the Taconite stands as more than just a boat—it’s a floating museum, a piece of living history that connects us to an era of craftsmanship, exploration, and unbridled industrial ambition. While modern yachts might boast more advanced technologies, few can match the Taconite’s soul, its stories, and its remarkable journey through nearly a century of maritime history.
As for Boeing, one can’t help but chuckle at the notion that their founder’s yacht remains a more reliable and respected piece of engineering than some of their contemporary aircraft. In the battle between wood and wings, it seems this wooden wonder is winning—one nautical mile at a time.
