Where Luxury Meets Adventure

Built in New York in 1992, the Empress is a testament to over a century of Hackercraft craftsmanship, a legacy that began in 1908. This heritage is found in her every detail, exemplifying luxury wooden boat construction.

At 9 metres in length and powered by a 454 XL Crusader Engine, the Empress seamlessly blends the elegance of yesteryear with the vigor of modern engineering. Her existence is a tribute to Hackercraft's dedication to creating vessels that are as powerful as they are beautiful.

In 2021, the Empress came under our care, having been acquired from a private collector from California, and she can now be found cruising on her home waters of Whitefish Lake, Montana. This transition symbolized more than a mere change of ownership; it was a pledge to uphold and contribute to her storied legacy.

The Empress underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2022, meticulously carried out by the skilled hands of Jim Brown and his team at Coeur Custom at Hagadone Marina, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. This undertaking, which involved approximately 1,000 hours of dedicated labor, not only breathed new life into her with fresh mahogany but also modernized her with thoughtful additions—a cocktail table (stowed in the hull), a bow thruster for precision docking, and ambient LED lighting throughout. The project was a testament to the reverence we hold for preserving her grandeur, while preparing her for the many adventures that lie ahead.

Named after a treasured summer tradition of sipping Indigo Gin and Tonics, the Empress name captures the essence of transformation—from the dark indigo of the gin to the glacier blue that emerges with tonic, echoing the transition from mountain dusk to clear waters. This striking shift, perfectly symbolizes the elegance and countless memorable moments spent aboard.

The Empress has most recently gained international fame when the same model was used in the Netflix series "The Crown”, portraying a leisure vessel for Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and their children, Prince William and Harry, as they vacationed along the Mediterranean coast of Italy.

The Empress is more than a boat; she is a repository of warm memories  with family and friends, and a beacon of the fine life, embodying leisure and elegance. From hosting waterborne picnics to savoring East Coast Wellfleet oysters and Champagne, every moment aboard is a celebration of life's finest pleasures. The Empress is a symbol of American lake life tradition, with whispers of nostalgia in her hull, and a passion for exploration.

Restoration

The Empress is a true masterpiece of nautical craftsmanship. At just over 9 metres, she boasts three cabins plus a main engine compartment and features a spacious 2-6-3 configuration that comfortably accommodates 10 adults. Her impressive size makes her ideal for large groups, and she's the kind of boat that turns heads as she cruises across the water.

In winter seasons of 2022 and 2023, the Empress underwent an extensive and comprehensive renovation. This wasn't merely a touch-up, but a ground-up restoration that addressed every aspect of the vessel. The entire hull underside, including the keel, was replaced, completely renewing her structural integrity for years to come. We removed all glass, chrome, fuel tanks, and the engine for thorough inspection and refurbishment. The hull received meticulous treatment - stripped, sanded, revarnished, and recoated with multiple protective layers. Nearly every screw hole in the hull was removed, inspected, and re-capped with fresh mahogany for both aesthetics and longevity. 

The power train received equal attention. The engine was completely removed from the hull, serviced, received new cables, hoses, and belts, along with a new starter to ensure reliable performance. We also selected an improved prop design, and manufactured a new stainless propeller shaft, further enhancing the boat's performance on the water. 

Beyond the structural work, we made several upgrades to enhance the Empress's functionality and comfort. New interior cabin lighting was added throughout the three cabins for nighttime cruising; creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We installed a bow thruster for improved maneuverability at slow speeds and docking, making handling easier in tight spaces. A newly designed and retractable charcuterie/cocktail table in the main cabin area adds a touch of luxury to onboard entertaining. This table rests in a custom, hidden compartment below deck and easily retrieves for meals or drinks. All new lighted, mahogany cup holders were installed in the recesses of the first two cabins. Safety was also a priority, with a new Halon fire suppression system installed in the engine compartment, and exterior navigation lights replaced with brighter LEDs for the main bow, port/starboard indicators, and aft signal light on the flag shaft.  The Empress also has a new black custom cover (2023) to keep her out of the sun and rain and for added protection while in transit. The cover was designed to sit just at the water line while she is docked. 

The culmination of this extensive restoration came in 2024 when the Empress was officially unveiled at her first public event. This marked her debut where she won her first award, claiming the prestigious "People's Choice" award during the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) show held in Whitefish, Montana.

Maintenance of the Empress has been meticulous. The vessel receives regular mechanical maintenance twice a year, and any seasonal wear is promptly addressed each winter to keep her in prime condition.

During the off-season, she resides in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where she receives expert care.

Specifications

  • Hull Number 128, Commissioned in 1992.

    Complete Restoration and refinement in 2022.

  • Mercury 454 XL, with Approx 330 HP at 4200 RPM.

    Warner, Velvet Drive 1.52:1 Ratio

    Propeller: ACME, 16" x 19", 4 Blade, Right Hand, 1.25" Bore, 0.105 Cup

    Fuel: Gasoline

  • Length: 30 Feet, 6 Inches | Bow to Back of Rudder
    Beam: 7 Feet
    Draft: 29 Inches

  • Timed at approximately 45 MPH, at WOT 4200 RPM.