About This Ship
T‑478 is a 65‑foot U.S. Army cargo‑passenger “T‑boat” built in 1954 at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, California. She comes from a post‑war series of small utility vessels designed to move people, supplies, and light cargo in coastal and harbor waters.
During her early service life, T‑478 operated as a versatile workhorse, supporting personnel transportation, logistics, and general utility missions in U.S. coastal waters, including California. Boats of this class were built to reach places that were too small or too shallow for larger transports, making them ideal for short‑haul runs and support work close to shore.
After leaving Army service, T‑478 transitioned into commercial use and sailed under several different names. Historical registry sources list her successively as S. E. Raymond, Scotsman, and later T‑Sarge, reflecting a long and varied working career in private hands as a small cargo and passenger vessel.
Sua Sponte Ventures acquired T‑478 to preserve a piece of working maritime history and give it a modern mission. With a background in marine electronics, power systems, and commercial refits, we undertaking a comprehensive modernization to bring the vessel in line with contemporary safety, reliability, and systems standards. The goal is to respect her heritage while equipping her for serious work in today’s operational environment.
The ongoing refit focuses on transforming T‑478 into a self‑sufficient platform for both lifestyle and business operations. Upgrades include modern navigation and communication systems, integrated NMEA 2000 electronics, robust electrical generation and storage, and improved onboard living spaces for extended time at sea or at anchor. These changes are designed to support cargo operations, project logistics, and technical services, while enabling a low‑shore‑dependence way of life built around a capable, proven steel workboat.