Boats for Sale
The IYRS wooden boat collection is unique. Unlike many institutions which restore and then display significant historic vessels, IYRS uses the boats it restores. The old adage that "ships and men rot in port" is still true. Static museum exhibits often deteriorate faster than vessels which are used and appreciated for what they are. Unless you actually sail or work a vessel, you cannot learn as much from it or gain a total appreciation for its design, performance or general use characteristics. For this reason, IYRS is proud to use restored vessels—for enjoyment, education and to deliver an on-water historic experience. “Preservation through use,” is the institution’s philosophy, as exhibited at our annual Graduation and Launch Day ceremonies in which students launch and sail or run their commissioned restorations.
We sell restored wooden boats so that they can be used and cherished by others. Funds raised from the sale of boats are put back into the school programs.
If you are unable to visit IYRS to view our boats, learn more about the current restoration projects, including the schooner yacht Coronet, on this website. All the boats at IYRS, including those awaiting restoration, have been donated to the school.
If you are interested in any of the following, please contact us at (401) 848-5777:
For Sale: Herreshoff Frostbite Dinghy
$18,000
Frostbite sailing is competitive racing during the winter months. Originally sailed by sailors whose larger boats were hauled out and stored for the winter and who couldn’t wait until spring to satisfy their need for racing sailboats. In the beginning, sailors would sail any small dinghy or tender with a sailing rig. In 1932, the North American Dinghy Association divided these boats into 2 Classes. In 1934 it was decided to start a one-design class just for racing, and Rudder magazine ran a design contest. Yacht designer Nicholas Potter and yachtsman William Strawbridge won the contest and their design for class B (racing dinghies) became known as the BO dinghies (the “O” for one-design). The first batch of 21 boats was built by the Herreshoff Mfg. Co. by November of 1934. Later boats were built by Fairfield Boat Works in Connecticut.
Inquiries to Terry Nathan at tnathan@iyrs.org or (401) 848-5777, ext 211.
IYRS announces a fine historic restoration project and invites funding and offers for ownership. - SOLD
$65,000
After creating the models for the Herreshoff 12 ½, Nat developed the drawings two years later for a slightly larger daysailer, the Herreshoff Fish-Class sloops. These 20’9” LOA little yachts were built from 1916 – 1939. The first group of 22 were delivered to the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club in western Long Island. All were gaff rigged, and each was named after a fish! In subsequent years, nearly the same number of Fish-Class boats were built, but for various other clubs and owners. Many of these boats were Marconi rigged. The Fish-Class is a sturdy little yacht; great fun for the family or individual sailor. IYRS is pleased to restore the 1925 Aunt Eppie. She will be sold fully restored with a set of traditional sails.
For Sale: Historic Herreshoff Launch
$98,000
Part of the extraordinary collection of classics owned by Bob Douglas on Martha’s Vineyard, this launch was believed to be from the Herreshoff 330 series hull form. Although found in extremely deteriorated condition and missing much of her hardware, she sports a unique version of the classic Herreshoff molded sheer strake as depicted in early Herreshoff plans. Her lines are spectacular, including transom, classic Herreshoff flared bow, and her pretty scantlings throughout. The hull is double planked mahogany over cedar; the transom is double planked teak over cedar; and the framework is white oak. The launch has the beautiful and classic double open cockpit arrangement with a forward steering station. She is powered with a 40 horsepower Yanmar 3JH4E engine. She is of the magnificent status and elegant form often associated with such vessels as the Corsair launch owned and operated in the Newport area.
LOA: 25’11”
Beam: 6’ 6"
Inquiries to tnathan@iyrs.edu or cposton@iyrs.edu. (401) 848-5777, ext 211.
For Sale: Beetle Cats®
A number of fully restored Beetle Cats are available for delivery now at a great price, complete with sails, beautiful bronze hardware and in appropriate colors. The Beetle Company began building these charming catboats in 1921. In 1946, the Concordia Company purchased the molds from John Beetle and continued to build the boats. Today, Beetle, Inc. carries on building them in traditional wood construction. More than 3,000 have been launched. The Beetle Cat is the foundation of the first year of the IYRS Boatbuilding & Restoration program. LOA: 12' 4"; Beam: 6'.
Email Terry Nathan for special pricing. tnathan@iyrs.edu or (401) 848-5777, ext 211.
For Sale: Restored Maine Lobster Boat
$49,000
Sally has all the lines and style of a traditional Maine-style, open lobster boat. Her white hull, varnished trim, bright transom, and finish make her a handsome little yacht. She is very functional too, for work or play. Built in the late forties by the Hodgdon Brothers, East Boothbay, Maine, Sally was partially rebuilt in 1993 to her open launch configuration and used as a work boat. She was totally rebuilt at IRYS to like new condition in 2012. She is 27' and powered by a Yanmar 4JH3 125hp diesel engine.
Inquiries to Terry Nathan at tnathan@iyrs.edu or (401) 848-5777, ext 211.
Restored Herreshoff Watch Hill 15 - SOLD
$50,000
Nat designed three versions of these slippery fast and attractive one-designs: the Buzzard’s Bay 15, Newport 15, and the Watch Hill 15. In 1923, eleven Watch Hill 15s (24’ LOA; 6’8” beam) with marconi rigs were delivered to the Watch Hill Yacht Club. They are center-board sloops with oak frames and cedar planking, drawing under 2 ½’ with the board up. Those who have sailed these beautiful little yachts have characterized them as both thrilling and quick, go-fast machines. They have avid long-term owners and beautiful lines. Fully restored with a new suite of Nat Wilson sails.