This is a 48-foot motor yacht, built in the 1920s, that burned to the waterline and sank in the St. Clair Flats. It has twin engines that are mounted side-by-side, but they are pretty far forward, 15′-19′ aft of the bow. It has long drive shafts and exhaust pipes that extend rearward, and although it is a twin-screw, it has only a single rudder. There is some brass hardware on this wreck.

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Type: Motor Yacht

• Dimensions:

• Length: 48 feet (14.6 meters)

• Build Year: 1920s

• Final Resting Place: St. Clair Flats, Michigan/Ontario border

• Condition: Burned to the waterline before sinking; remains include engines, drive shafts, and some brass hardware.

Vessel Description

This motor yacht was a twin-engine vessel with engines mounted unusually far forward in the Hull, approximately 15-19 feet (4.5–5.8 meters) aft of the bow. The vessel featured:

• Twin Engines: Mounted side-by-side but connected to long drive shafts extending rearward to the twin propellers.

• Exhaust Pipes: Long pipes running along the drive shafts to the Stern.

• Single Rudder: Despite being a twin-screw vessel, it had only one rudder to steer.

The yacht is a rare example of 1920s luxury watercraft designed for leisure cruising, likely serving wealthy owners during the golden age of personal motor yachts on the Great Lakes.

Incident Summary

The yacht burned to the waterline, leaving only its lower structure, engines, and some fittings before sinking in the St. Clair Flats, a well-known marshy area at the intersection of the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair. This incident resulted in the near-Total Loss of the vessel’s superstructure, with only structural remnants and brass hardware remaining on the lakebed.

Wreck Features

• Engines: Twin engines prominently visible, located far forward in the wreck.

• Drive Shafts & Exhaust Pipes: Extend rearward, connecting to the Stern.

• Brass Hardware: Scattered across the site, including remnants of fittings and possibly decorative fixtures.

• Rudder: Single rudder near the Stern provides an unusual feature for a twin-screw vessel.

Diving Notes

• Depth: Not specified but likely shallow, given the area’s typical depths.

• Visibility: Can vary due to sediment and water conditions in the St. Clair Flats.

• Caution: Divers should be aware of potential boating activity in the Flats and use a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) when diving.

Historical Context

Motor yachts of the 1920s were symbols of wealth and leisure, often equipped with cutting-edge designs and materials for their time. This wreck showcases unique engineering decisions, such as the forward-mounted twin engines and single rudder configuration. The use of brass hardware reflects the era’s emphasis on both utility and aesthetic appeal.

Condition & Accessibility

• The wreck is in a deteriorated state but retains key structural elements that make it an interesting site for divers and maritime historians.

• Shallow waters and accessible location in the St. Clair Flats add to its appeal for recreational divers.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

• Local Dive Shops: For guided dives and additional information on the site.

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS): saveontarioshipwrecks.ca

Conclusion

This motor yacht wreck in the St. Clair Flats offers a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship and design of 1920s luxury watercraft. Despite its burned state, key features such as the twin engines, long drive shafts, and brass hardware provide intriguing elements for divers and historians to explore. Its accessible location and unusual design make it a noteworthy site on the Great Lakes.

Tags:

#MotorYachtWreck #StClairFlats #GreatLakesShipwrecks #1920sVessels #TwinEngineWreck