VAPOR
Hull No: HMCo. #227
1902 Steam Launch
Length Over All: 30' 0"
Length Water Line: 29' 9"
Beam: 6' 0"
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.
VAPOR's construction drawing, courtesy the MIT Museum (ID No. HH.5.00027)
VAPOR with the steam plant installed during the Martin family ownership years
Plans for VAPOR's triple expansion steeple engine, courtesy the MIT Museum (ID No. HH.5.08134)
VAPOR shortly after arriving at HMM
VAPOR in 1970; image courtesy the Martin family
The engraving on VAPOR's low pressure cylinder cover
VAPOR in the press ca. 1970
A closer look at VAPOR's power plant when it was installed; courtesy of the Martin family
VAPOR in December, 1970; courtesy of the Martin family
