Mr. Schoen urged the city to reconsider leasing the $19 million barge and its option to buy the vessel at minimum cost in five years.

When he left the society several months later, he bought the vessel and renamed it Seamaster.

The antiques dealer bought the 130-foot vessel for less than $40,000, with a friend, Steve Pelszynski.

Some lawmakers, especially those who represent shipbuilding regions, have argued that Japan should buy the entire vessel in the United States.

Impressed by his designs, the U.S. Navy bought the vessel and hired Piccard as a consultant.

The buyer, the London dealer Robin Symes, said, "I'm very happy," but he would not say for whom he bought the vessel.

The Walthers bought the vessel for $257,000.

Jeff Gordon bought the vessel in 2007, providing the funds to complete the project.

But after the influx of tourists, he and some friends put their resources together and bought the vessel, which earns them $2,000 in a good month.

In 1905 Lady Eva Barker bought the vessel and outfitted it with an engine.