Skip to main content

The Last of Her Kind

History

Built in 1943 as a U.S. military vessel, the Pacific Yellowfin traversed the globe, eluded detection, and stored her mysteries. After accommodating millionaires, mischief-makers and rapscallions, she makes an inspiring and wonderfully adventure-worthy vessel to enjoy your own expedition. Today, she is owned by charismatic storyteller Captain Colin Griffinson.

A Storied Past

Originally constructed as a robust ship for carrying passengers and cargo, this vessel safeguarded the North American coastline, including the breathtaking Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. After decommissioning, it was utilized for various government research expeditions and was humorously renamed the Yellowfin. However, a close call with dynamite forced it back to auction, where it was purchased in 1957 and refurbished as a family excursion vessel, serving in that capacity for almost two decades.

Lovingly Refurbished

Captain Colin purchased the Yellowfin in 2000, renamed her the Pacific Yellowfin, and updated her with modern features while preserving her original spirit. Today, she is an exclusive private charter yacht offering access to stunning wilderness destinations in an intimate, lodge-style setting. The Pacific Yellowfin upholds the highest safety standards, ensuring that you can cruise with complete peace of mind. She is inspected annually as a Transport Canada-certified passenger vessel.

Timeline

How the adventure began

 

1943

  • Built by the US Army as a versatile passenger and freight-carrying boat to move troops and carry heavy supply loads.
  • Started life as “JMP64” (junior mine planter) during World War II with Germany.
  • Became “FP64” (freight/passenger) when moved for the Pacific Theatre war with Japan.
  • Location: Billings Shipyard, Deer Isle, Maine
 

1946

  • Bought by the California Department of Fish and Game for research.
  • Re-named the “Yellowfin”.
 

1960

  • Purchased privately by Clint Pelltier.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Pelltier and their seven children lived on board.
 

1961

  • Reported to be seen in the waters of Central America at the time of “Bay of Pigs” invasion
 

1980

  • Purchased by Tacoma Tow Boat Company.
  • On contract with John Hopkins University as research for the US Navy.
 

1989

  • Purchased privately by Pete Whittier.
  • Designed a new layout with comfortable cabins. Striped all paint to bare wood. Replaced soft planking. Repaired butt joints.
  • Location: Point Hope Shipyard, Victoria, BC for full hull overhaul.
 

2000

  • Purchased privately by Colin Griffinson.
  • Renamed as “Pacific Yellowfin”
  • Extensive interior renovations. The entire ship was refitted and refurnished, including staterooms, cabins, bathrooms, galley, saloon, bridge and engine rooms.
  • The Griffinson family lived on board for several years.
 

2003

  • Decided to operate private charters.
  • Modernized to meet modern safety standards to carry passengers.
  • Hired Jack Dixon, Marine Engineer, “Small Vessel Machinery Operator”.
  • Mechanical retrofit: rewired, converted from DC to AC power, new generator, main & sub-switchboards, and two 500-watt inverters.
  • New fire sprinkler system, 5 new watertight bulkheads.
  • Location: Allied Shipyard, North Vancouver
 

2004

  • First-year as a private charter vessel operator.
 

2024

  • Celebrated 20 years as a private charter vessel operator.

1943

  • Built by the US Army as a versatile passenger and freight-carrying boat to move troops and carry heavy supply loads.
  • Started life as “JMP64” (junior mine planter) during World War II with Germany.
  • Became “FP64” (freight/passenger) when moved for the Pacific Theatre war with Japan.
  • Location: Billings Shipyard, Deer Isle, Maine

1946

  • Bought by the California Department of Fish and Game for research.
  • Re-named the “Yellowfin”.

1960

  • Purchased privately by Clint Pelltier.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Pelltier and their seven children lived on board.

1961

  • Reported to be seen in the waters of Central America at the time of “Bay of Pigs” invasion.

1980

  • Purchased by Tacoma Tow Boat Company.
  • On contract with John Hopkins University as research for the US Navy.

1989

  • Purchased privately by Pete Whittier.
  • Designed a new layout with comfortable cabins. Striped all paint to bare wood. Replaced soft planking. Repaired butt joints.
  • Location: Point Hope Shipyard, Victoria, BC for full hull overhaul.

2000

  • Purchased privately by Colin Griffinson.
  • Renamed as “Pacific Yellowfin”
  • Extensive interior renovations. The entire ship was refitted and refurnished, including staterooms, cabins, bathrooms, galley, saloon, bridge and engine rooms.
  • The Griffinson family lived on board for several years.

2003

  • Decided to operate private charters.
  • Modernized to meet modern safety standards to carry passengers.
  • Hired Jack Dixon, Marine Engineer, “Small Vessel Machinery Operator”.
  • Mechanical retrofit: rewired, converted from DC to AC power, new generator, main & sub-switchboards, and two 500-watt inverters.
  • New fire sprinkler system, 5 new watertight bulkheads.
  • Location: Allied Shipyard, North Vancouver

2004

  • First year as a private charter vessel operator.

2024

  • Celebrated 20 years as a private charter vessel operator.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.