The Valiant was a 162-foot luxury motor yacht built in 1926 at an estimated cost of $750,000.  Owned by West Coast Buick distributor Charles S. Howard of San Francisco, she featured a 14- knot cruising speed and 5500-mile range.  Although the Valiant was the first American ship to feature a double hull for storage, stability, and safety, this wasn't enough to save her.

The yacht was anchored off Catalina Island, and dinner preparations were in progress when all lights went out.  The gas generator's fuel tank was dry, so a crew member opened a valve to refill the tank, restarted the engine, and left.  The tank overflowed and gasoline flooded the engine room.  A tremendous explosion set the entire midships ablaze.

The Valiant burned for three days, fueled by 8000 gallons of diesel fuel.  She went down with a reported $75,000 in cash and gems.