The last operational steam-powered superyacht 'SS Delphine' is up for grabs

The world's last operational steam-powered superyacht, S.S. Delphine, is going under the hammer with a price tag of $50 million. It can carry 36 guests at any point of time, while hosting a gathering of 150 and 24 members of crew.

Classical older yachts are the latest new entry on the auction block for sale. Recently, the 1960 Riva Tritone Cadillac boat, and the Triton mega expedition yacht were listed for sale. Joining their league is the world's last operational steam-powered superyacht, S.S. Delphine going under the hammer with a price tag of $50 million. It can carry 36 guests at any point of time, while hosting a gathering of 150 and 24 members of crew.

The vessel has had an interesting history through the years. Built in 1921 by Great Lakes Engineering Works for Horace Dodge, the entire vessel was damaged heavily during a fire in 1926. Horace Dodge's wife, Anna Dodge had ordered the complete restoration before it set sailing again. However, the vessel then hit a large rock in the Great Lakes and people thought that it would sink totally. Luckily, the damages were far minor than that and it survived.

During the 2nd World War, it was used by Admiral Ernest King, the then chief of US Naval Operations. It was on this vessel that world leaders like President Theodore Roosevelt had met to discuss war time strategy.

The restored 78.5 meter SS Delphine had work done on it in 2003, whereby it received 2 VIP cabins and 9 other double cabins for passengers. Also, there was work done to restore the original glory including a 6-person Turkish Bath, sauna, dressing salon and large rooms. Most of the wood work seen on the vessel is Honduran mahogany which has been used in the interior since 1927.

Some of the most mentionable rooms include the formal dining room, where more than 77 people can gather at the same time. Also, there is a gymnasium, an indoor jacuzzi, a private swimming pool on the deck and a private music room built in line with the old heritage of vessels of those days. There is also a black grand piano on board, which used to be the main source of entertainment during its hay-day.

For soaking in the sun and enjoying a meal, there is a separate dining area on the aft deck of the yacht which itself can accommodate between 8-10 adults. The bar is just beside the area for a drink during Odysseys at sea.

The engine of the yacht is also an interesting thing to look at, when it comes to studying how boats were previously powered to sail. There are 2 separate engines of 1,500 HP Quadruple Steam Expansion design along with 2 MTU V8 generators. The consumption rate of fuel averages around 600 liters per hour, with a total capacity of 190,000 liters in entirety. Due to the high volume of guests on board, there is a 50,000 liter water storing area serving throughout all areas of the vessel.

The SS Delphine has been in charter previously, but hasn't found a buyer yet due to the high fuel consumption rate and the high rate of maintenance.