Yacht that starred in television sitcom up for auction

The ante for a chance to buy a Lake Tahoe nautical television star is $10,000.

The U.S. Marshals Service is auctioning off the 85-foot yacht Sierra Rose online Tuesday through June 14.

The yacht served as the location for a 2017 opening episode of the television sitcom “Modern Family.”

It was docked at Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina at the time. The episode was the opener in the show’s ninth season, entitled “Lake Life,” which aired Sept. 27, 2017.

Three years later the vessel was taken into custody as a result of a default in a federal civil lawsuit against the owners in connection with a $350,000 debt. In Cap One, Inc. v. MV Sierra Rose, the now former owners owe $848,062 as of June 1, 2021, and legal fees.

According to court documents, the yacht was originally constructed in 2005 for around $4 million. At the time it was billed as the largest noncommercial yacht on Lake Tahoe.

In what might be a great plot for the sitcom, guests were awakened at 3 a.m. July 9, 2012, as the yacht took on water while tied up at a Tahoe Keys dock. It eventually hit the bottom with its lowest deck underwater and water in the sleeping compartments.

It was sold at auction for $3.25 million in August 2008, according to the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

Apple Auctioneering Co. will be conducting an online-only auction on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service starting Tuesday and lasting through 9 p.m. June 14.

A $10,000 pre-bid deposit is required to bid, which would be applied to the purchase price. All pre-bid deposits for unsuccessful bidders will be refunded within five to seven business days. If full payment is not received by the high bidder by 9 p.m. June 17, the $10,000 deposit becomes nonrefundable at which point the property shall revert back to the government without further notice.

The Sierra Rose is a 2005 Fred Finney triple cabin 85-foot motor yacht docked in the Tahoe Keys and will be offered as is without warranty or guarantee.

Inspections are by appointment only.