Vic Franck 82' 1961

Tatoosh Yacht | 82' Vic Franck 1961

Tatoosh is an American legend.

Originally commissioned by Cranston & Helen Paschall of the Boeing family, she was designed by naval architect, Ben Seaborn, with assistance from Sparkman & Stephens, three of the great names in American boat building. The hull was built by hand at Vic Franck’s Boat Company in Seattle, using 2” Alaska yellow cedar planking, over 3” x 4” oak frames, on Everdure bronze floors. The deck is 2” teak over 2” marine ply. And the whole is held together with Everdure bronze fasteners. The result is as strong as her mountain namesake.

Inside, you’ll find three double-staterooms aft, a large salon mid-ships, and then a full-sized kitchen, and crew quarters forwards. All of which are paneled in beautifully varnished teak, with a teak & holly sole underfoot. It’s comfortable, elegant, and displays the kind of craftsmanship that used to be standard, and is now a rarity. And should you be concerned about security, the salon windows are bullet-proof for good measure.

That might have been what appealed to Tatoosh’s second owner, Peter Fonda, who bought her with his earnings from Easy Rider in 1969. If you’re hanging out with Dennis Hopper, and a gang of long-haired bikers, you wouldn’t be surprised if Hunter Thompson showed up and started blasting away with a .357 Colt Python. Better to be prepared. More realistically, if you’re sailing with your dad, Henry Fonda, or sister Jane, you might just want a little protection from crazy fans.

Whatever the reason, Peter bought Tatoosh with his wife, Portia, and their three children, and sailed her from Seattle to LA… Mexico… Hawaii… Tahiti… and who knows where else. That’s the joy of a great sailboat. It has no limits. It’ll take you wherever your dreams want to go.

That was a long time ago. Since then, Tatoosh has had several other owners. Perhaps not as famous, but assuredly just as much in love with adventure, and the joie de vivre that comes from owning a beautiful piece of American history. For, just as each President leans their hands on the Resolute Desk, and knows that other Presidents have taken hard decisions before them, so too there is a reassurance that comes from knowing that Tatoosh has sailed the roughest seas and always brought her owners safely home.

That’s what she does. Because that’s what she was built to do.

Now she’s ready for her next voyage. So, if you would like to become part of that lineage, part of that story, please call me.

Tatoosh HIGHLIGHTS

• Yacht Details: 82' Vic Franck 1961
• Location: Marina del Rey, CA
• Engines: Caterpillar D333 180.00hp
• Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026
• Asking Price: $950,000
• Maximum Speed: 10 kn
• Max Draft: 13' 0"

Tatoosh additional information