Boeing built a yacht in 1930 with an incredible history and it has even survived longer than some modern aircraft

Published on Apr 03, 2026 at 5:22 PM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan

Last updated on Apr 02, 2026 at 3:45 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

The Boeing yacht Taconite is what happens when one of aviation’s biggest names turns its attention to the sea.

Commissioned in 1930 by William Boeing, the Taconite blended craftsmanship, innovation, and a touch of eccentric ambition.

At a time when aviation itself was still in its relative infancy, Boeing was already thinking beyond the skies.

And somehow, nearly a century later, this remarkable vessel has outlasted many of the aircraft his company would go on to build.

Enter our competition to win a stunning 2006 Ford GT or $400,000 cash!

William Boeing spent much of his free time on board

Built during the golden age of yachting, the Taconite was a 125-foot teak masterpiece, designed as both a private retreat and a symbol of status.

It wasn’t just luxurious for its time; it was also technologically ahead of the curve.

The yacht was used to test early marine radio communications developed by Boeing himself, and it later became one of the first recreational vessels in North America to feature onboard radar.

Among its star-studded guests was Amelia Earhart, who walked on this very vessel before her attempt to circle the globe went awry.

For decades, the yacht remained closely tied to Boeing and his family, cruising the waters of the Pacific Northwest.

It even played a deeply personal role in his life, with Boeing reportedly spending much of his free time there, and his ashes were ultimately scattered at sea from the vessel after his death in 1956.

After leaving the Boeing family in the late 1970s, the Taconite passed through only a handful of owners, including Canadian businessman Gordon Levett, who undertook a careful restoration to preserve its original character.

Over the years, it remained largely based around British Columbia, becoming something of a local legend, even serving as a floating base for film productions and luxury charters.

The Taconite’s current whereabouts are unknown

But its modern story is where things become a little murkier.

In the mid-2010s, the Boeing yacht was put up for sale, and by 2018, it had reportedly been purchased by a foreign buyer, sparking concern that this historic vessel might leave Canadian waters for good.

Plans at the time suggested it could be moved to places like New York or even the Bahamas, though details were never fully confirmed.

More recent records suggest the Taconite has remained on the west coast of Canada, with links to operations around Victoria, British Columbia.

There were even indications that it may still be maintained for charter use.

At the same time, ownership information has become increasingly private, a common trend in the modern yacht world.

Unfortunately, this means that enthusiasts were left to speculate about who now controls this historic vessel.

That uncertainty only adds to the intrigue.

Nearly a century after it was launched, the Taconite continues to exist somewhere between legend and reality.

In a world where even cutting-edge aircraft can become obsolete within decades, this Boeing yacht has done something far more impressive: it has endured.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

Jason joined the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in April 2025 as a Content Writer. As part of the growing editorial team, he helps keep the site running 24/7, injecting his renowned accuracy, energy, and love for all things supercar-related into every shift.