Gone with the Wynnsvideo

Owning a 103 Year Old Vessel: Dream or Madness?

19 October 2025 · 43 min · 269K views · Orcas Island

Vintage boat slices through calm water, leaving a V-wake.

What this video covers

Argonaut II, a 73-foot double-ended motor yacht built in 1922, serves as a case study for the maintenance and lifestyle requirements of owning a century-old wooden vessel.1:57 Originally commissioned as a corporate yacht and later operated as a mission boat for the United Church in British Columbia, the vessel remains operational after 100 years.2:07 The current owner reports spending six to 10 hours per week on routine maintenance, noting that day-to-day upkeep is comparable to modern boats, though periodic major structural work—such as replacing wood planks—is necessary to preserve the hull.26:41 The yacht features a 1940-era engine praised for its efficiency and resiliency, a boiler system for domestic hot water and cabin heating, and a 375-foot port-side anchor.5:22 The owner emphasizes that the vessel’s longevity relies on consistent care and the support of a specialized community of classic boat enthusiasts.

Watch on YouTube

More from Gone with the Wynns

This Cost a Fortune... We Removed It AnywayJun 2026We Thought We'd Never See These AgainMay 2026600 Miles Across the Most Feared Ocean on EarthMay 2026Ice Camping Overnight on AntarcticaMay 2026

From Gone with the Wynns — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue