A Boat Owner’s Insights – Classic Historical Motoryacht
In this post of “A Boat Owner’s Insights,” we present a 73′ Double Ended PNW Historical Cruiser.
This classic historical motoryacht is for sale by Waterline Boats / Boatshed Seattle look for the direct link below.
~~~~~~
Life Well Lived Aboard this Classic Motor Yacht
Cozy Ballard mornings with hot coffee and pastries from the premier café just down the block, watching ship traffic come and go from the locks. Afternoon errands done by bike, ending with a local craft brew enjoyed out on beautifully varnished decks. Long weekends spent exploring the picturesque San Juan Islands, making memories that will never be forgotten.
What makes such an incredible lifestyle possible? The classic motor yacht Argonaut II, currently listed with Waterline Boats. Impeccably well maintained and moored in the heart of Seattle’s walkable Ballard neighborhood, this magnificent vessel is ready to bring the same pleasure it brought to its current owners to new ones.
We recently had a chance to chat with the couple that owns this historic vessel and learned what makes this listing such a special opportunity. The enthusiasm the couple has for the boat was evident, and well justified given how capable, comfortable and spirited it is. Read on to learn more about the treasured times this boat helped create.
A Liveaboard Dream
When asked why they bought the vessel, the salty couple that own it explained that they have, “…. owned and raced sailboats throughout our 45+ year married life…but always dreamed of living aboard a boat. In addition to this dream we’ve always been enchanted by the sleek design of this type of boat.”
Location also helped drive them to this boat in particular. The owners ran across a, “tiny ad in the local boat magazine advertising the Argonaut II,” while visiting their son and daughter-in-law in Seattle from where they were living in Japan. With the belief that, “…having extended family nearby is a valuable asset to raising happy children,” they immediately saw a liveaboard opportunity.
With the location, gorgeous design, and beautiful lines, it wasn’t a hard decision to buy. As they explain it, “Almost on a whim we bought the boat and never looked back!”
While the owners wrapped up their time living in Japan their son and daughter-in-law jumped at the opportunity to live aboard the motor yacht in the meantime. This young couple, “…loved every minute of it. Located in Ballard, Seattle, Washington it is close to great restaurants, grocery stores, the Swedish Hospital and everything one needs all within a short walk from the boat. Oh, and did we mention the 12+ craft breweries within that same short walk?”
Upon returning to Seattle, the owners moved in and their son and daughter-in-law found a house just a mile away from their slip. Then, in short order, the owners happily found themselves becoming grandparents within walking distance of their beautiful new grandchild.
A Classic Vessel with a Spectacular Slip Spot
When asked what the owners have enjoyed most about the vessel their answer was two-fold. “There are two things that standout regarding what we most enjoy about living aboard the Argonaut II,” they said, “First is its location, only a couple of blocks from everything Ballard has to offer…the second standout is how amazing the Argonaut II is for cruising.”
Being in Ballard has been a huge plus living aboard this boat, as the owners are, “…all about walking or biking to do our errands…this was a perfect location for us.” Not only that, the Argonaut II is, “… also a very comfortable live aboard both for us and for friends who visit and want to stay awhile. It’s a great boat for entertaining. We’ve had several dock parties and gatherings of friends and everyone just settles in so comfortably.”
This boat has been in its present location for 20 years, and likely can remain.
But the Argonaut II doesn’t just sit at the dock. The owners report that she loves being at sea and is an amazing cruiser. “The Argonaut II loves to travel. She loves the open waters of the Salish Sea and exploring new places,” says the owners, “Although her top speed is 8.5 knots she’s most comfortable cruising along at 7.5 knots, with her 1941 Gardner diesel engine chug chug chugging along. Many ole’ timers even recognize the sound of her engine and know exactly what it is.”
With trips to the San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands, this vessel has proven itself capable and comfortable – even in rough seas. The owners recounted a challenging crossing of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with, “high seas, rough water, even taking waves over the bow,” but, “that ol’ Argonaut just lit up. She was so happy tackling those waves.”
For the owners, trips aboard this boat created magical experiences they will not forget.
Cruising with Rich History
In addition to the vessel’s love of cruising, it is also a bit of a celebrity. In its early days, after time with a Canadian paper mill, the Argonaut II was owned by the Church of Canada and serviced secluded villages in some of the most remote inlets of western British Columbia.
With that, the vessel is still well known up north. “No matter where we anchored or docked in the Gulf Islands of Canada she would draw a small crowd,” say the owners. “The locals would come down to the dock and bring amazing stories of their childhood experiences with the Argonaut II. It was amazing to experience. I believe this boat has her very own spirit and she loves to share it. She’s a very special boat… She seems to love the attention of the locals as well as the lovers of old classic wooden yachts.”
Upgrades and Improvements for Comfort and Performance
Since owning the boat, the owners have made many improvements – but always in keeping with the vintage look of this classic yacht. Notable upgrades include:
• Conversion of the chart room to a comfortable living space, “…just replacing the broken wooden blinds with period lace curtains really changed the whole feel.”
• Replacement of an old wood stove with a settee, “Now it can seat 8 people comfortably with room for more as needed.”
• Modernization of the engine room and the instrumentations. One of the biggest upgrades was the installation of a new generator with back up air compressor for starting the main engine.
• Replacement of the diesel stove in the galley with a propane, three-burner stove and oven.
• Installation of a new refrigerator compressor and motor.
Passing the Baton
“It is bittersweet to think of selling this amazing piece of history that we’ve come to love and enjoy,” say the owners, “but as [our son and daughter-in-law] begin to raise their family they’ve decided that a small town is more to their liking and are planning to move on….we want to be close to [them] to be a part of our granddaughter’s life. With that plan in the works we’ve decided it’s time for us to pass the baton on to another lucky soul who will love and cherish this beautiful piece of northwest nautical history.”
Where to Learn More
For complete listing details on this capable and comfortable classic NW Motor Yacht, including 116 large format photos as well as videos and 360 Virtual Tours, visit our Boatshed presentation: Classic 73’ Double-Ended Motor Yacht Historical Northwest Cruiser.
