Story
This yacht, power-cruiser was built in 1929 by Hoffar-Beeching Shipyards Ltd. in Vancouver, BC.
Historical Notes
Andrew W. McLimont (President of Winnipeg Light and Power) used the boat extensively to cruise the Inside Passage with private hunting and fishing parties. Gertrude Spencer was the wife of Victor Spencer (owner of Spencer's Department Stores.
In 1943 this vessel was chartered by the R.C.A.F and in 1944 this vessel was returned to her owner.
In 1956, this vessel reportedly ran aground in front of the Empress Hotel in Victoria and, in the winter of 1957, the boat sank to the bottom of the harbor in Port Angeles, Washington but was salvaged.
Owners & Masters
In 1928-1932 she was owned by Andrew W. McLimont (President of Winnipeg Light and Power), Metchosin BC Canada.
In 1933-1945 she was owned by Mrs. Gertrude Spencer, Vancouver BC Canada. (During the Second World War she was chartered to the Royal Canadian Air Force for service as Royal Canadian Air Force Deerleap.) In 1945-1947 she was owned by Campbell Church Jr. Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1960 her Canadian Registry was closed when she was owned by foreign owners.
In 1958 she was not listed in the Canada List of Shipping.
In 1960 she was owned by Bud and Alice Olson.
She changed owners frequently and, by the late 1980s, she had fallen into disrepair and was put up for auction.
In 2005-2025 she was owned by Richard Gardner, Port Orchard WA USA.
Repower
2–330bhp diesel engines (1934) Vivian Gas Engine Works, Vancouver, BC.
References
- www.mvdeerleap.com ↗
- classicyacht.org ↗
- RG12 Reel T-11850 (1960) (Deerleap)
- RG12 Volume 783 File 9015-D21 Requisitioning Of Ships - War Measures – DEERLEAP
- DHH 8000 Series Box 171 File 032 DEERLEAP - Naval messages, correspondence and information sheets
