[1] Lotus was employed as a pleasure vessel on Puget Sound, and in the waters of British Columbia and southeastern Alaska.

The vessel was launched in May 1909, and was at that time the largest privately owned motor yacht on the west coast of the United States.

The yacht was designed by naval architects Lee and Brinton, and constructed by Joseph A. Sloane.

As of 1911, the vessel was powered with a "Globe" gas-distillate (early diesel) engine that generated 80 indicated horsepower.

[5] It is now maintained by the Motor Vessel Lotus Foundation, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, and is moored in the Historic Ships Wharf at the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, Washington.