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VAPOR

Hull No: HMCo. #227

1902 Steam Launch

Length Over All: 30' 0"
Length Water Line: 29' 9"
Beam: 6' 0"

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VAPOR is a rare bird: literally, the last known Herreshoff steam launch to survive in the world, out of more than 260 steam powered vessels built in total by HMCo. 

 

VAPOR (originally simply “#227,” an un-named tender) was one of 30 launches built to the same model. The boat was contracted as a tender for the 211′ LOA steam yacht YACONA, which belonged to oil and railroad tycoon Henry Clay Pierce (1849-1927). Pierce also owned a Newport 15 named YACONA (HMCo. #589), and #227 and #589 were contracted around the same time, in August 1902. Though VAPOR’s precise launch date is unknown, the boat was built in a matter of weeks between mid August and early September.

 

VAPOR’s remarkable survival can be attributed to her 72 years under single-family ownership: the boat was acquired by the Martin family in 1950, and remained under their care until 2022 when VAPOR was donated to HMM. You can learn more about VAPOR here.

 

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VAPOR's construction drawing, courtesy the MIT Museum (ID No. HH.5.00027)

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VAPOR with the steam plant installed during the Martin family ownership years

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Plans for VAPOR's triple expansion steeple engine, courtesy the MIT Museum (ID No. HH.5.08134)

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VAPOR shortly after arriving at HMM

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VAPOR in 1970; image courtesy the Martin family

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The engraving on VAPOR's low pressure cylinder cover

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VAPOR in the press ca. 1970

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A closer look at VAPOR's power plant when it was installed; courtesy of the Martin family

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VAPOR in December, 1970; courtesy of the Martin family

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