This Chippewa model steam launch is powered by a Stuart 10V 2-cylinder steam engine fed with steam from its own boiler. The boat is 5-feet long and weighs 40 pounds. The boiler is fired by a propane blowtorch. Radio control servos operated steering, throttle, forward/reverse and two steam whistles. The boat was often sailed in the lake at Busch Gardens in Los Angeles to the amusement of visitors to the park.
Inspired by the fun of operating a steam boat, Gordon went on to build a 29’-long version of the boat that he called Victoria. It now resides with the California Maritime Academy.
