The Empress
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The Empress is a fine example of the great boats built by the Matthews Company of Port Clinton, Ohio. She is in very good condition and turns heads wherever she goes. This is an well cared for boat. But it is not strictly a showpiece. We have put about 20,000 miles of cruising beneath her keel. She is also a rare find because only a few were built. A sister ship of this attractive boat was featured in an article in Yachting Magazine (November 1991).
Matthews boats were produced in limited quantities and were usually more expensive than a Pacemaker or Chris-Craft of equivalent size. (to see cost comparison - click here) Why? Everything from fuel and water tanks to fasteners were often of higher quality. Hull construction was significantly more stout. Matthews often had extra features like having screens on every door, hatch and porthole. Matthews made a solid, seakindly boat. Matthews boats still have a reputation among the knowledgeable for being strong and well made.
Commissioned by a San Francisco doctor in 1953, she cruised the Bay Area for a time known as the Pattie-Stuart. She moved to Puget Sound in the 70's.
A sistership from an original 1952 photograph
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I have invested several; thousand hours and a lot of boat dollars (BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand) into restoring, improving and upgrading this vessel. And presently, she is nearly fully restored. (But there is more to do,) Innumerable small and large details have been attended to. The equipment on-board is top notch and functional. Every effort has been taken to keep her as original as possible.
I frequently get asked why I have a wooden boat Here are some reasons.
Also, she is a Coast Guard Documented vessel. Here's why.
This handsome yacht makes a comfortable live-aboard, but she is also a capable and accomplished cruiser. In 1998 she circumnavigated Vancouver Island in good form. And in 2002 she cruised the Inside Passage to Alaska and back. She has also made numerous voyages to Princess Louisa Inlet and to Desolation Sound and the north end of Vancouver Island. In 2005, she visited Barkley Sound on the outside of Vancouver Island. And of course, she has made numerous cruises Puget Sound and the lovely San Juan Islands.
For a more detailed Description - CLICK HERE
To see the Layout - CLICK HERE
To see the Original Brochure - CLICK HERE
To see some Interior Views - CLICK HERE
Last edited on: 12/20/05
