1954 65 Feet Army Pilothouse Trawler T Boat - Yacht Conversion

Price Reduced, very motivated seller, taking major loss, buyer will get one heck of a deal

PATHFINDER, T-509

US Army T-Boat

Designed by Eldridge and McInnes to Navy specifications for the US Army. They were built to perform light towing, cargo and personnel transport. 86 of these steel vessels were built on contingency at the end of the Korean War. Most were dry docked and never saw service until the Government sold them off. Today over 50 are still in service worldwide.

The US Coast Guard maintains 3 T-Boats on the Thames River in CT for training, another one runs cargo in the Caribbean, many have been turned into private yachts in their original configuration. The Sea Scouts have several and a few have undergone extensive yacht conversions. PATHFINDER has undergone a significant conversion process as well.

In 2005 this vessel underwent a 7 month refit in dry dock. Her hull was inspected before and after the refit and then sand blasted and epoxy painted. This work included some clad welding and over plating as needed, rudder repair, new thru hulls, cage around propeller, swim platform, anchor platform and Bruce anchor. All new steel work was accomplished by a Dave Ernst, highly skilled welder and metal worker who is currently doing specialized custom steel work on the replica of the "Bounty" currently in dry dock in Boothbay Harbor. We will put a buyer directly in touch with Mr. Ernst for an overview of the work he did on this vessel. This vessel is in an ongoing conversion process and has been customized to take advantage of her best features and design. All new exterior window and door frames are built of 1 5/8" solid mahogany, with painted white oak casings on the exterior. Exterior paint work is nearly complete and only the mahogany doors need to be assembled and installed to close up the exterior.

This is a rare opportunity to own a small classic full keel ship that has some very nice features all completed. The covered decks, huge aft cockpit and double door entrance into the saloon will make her near perfect for living aboard and entertaining.

Recent survey by Capt. Jeffery A. Johnson, Accredited Senior Marine Surveyor-SAMS who specializes in steel vessels. Survey very good. PATHFINDER is USCG Documented and endorsed for Coastwise and Recreation.

This vessel is owned by Hal Oakes, owner of Midcoast Yacht Brokerage. All work completed since its purchase has been professionally accomplished by Oakes and his crew and other marine professionals. A change in plans necessitates the sale.

A buyer will benefit by Hal Oakes' hands on knowledge of these vessels. In addition, a buyer is offered the free use of the vessel's mooring in Tenants harbor, until they are ready to depart. Pathfinder can be ready to operate under her own power with a minimum of preparedness. She is seaworthy and currently insured for full navigation.

This vessel will provide the new owner a comfortable home on the water, living aboard or cruising the coast and waterways. Another T Boat just completed the Great Circle Route with a husband and wife team. This vessel with her exceptional visibility from the helm, lots of deck space and huge aft cockpit and covered side decks, will make for easy vessel handling.

PATHFINDER represents significant value with her recent major refit and other valuable work accomplished in the past 2 years. She was overbuilt to start with, spent decades in storage and is now ready to tackle the next 50 years. A buyer should plan on spending another $50,000. to $100,000. depending on how luxurious and complex their requirements are. Alternatively, a practical hands on mariner will spend far less. They will enjoy living aboard while they complete her. Even if a buyer eventually has $250,000. invested in this vessel as a fully completed yacht conversion, where can you find anything like this small ship for that kind of money. Start looking in the half million range and up. The sale will include 1" and 2" African mahogany for trimming out the saloon and pilothouse, paints and other misc. supplies

We are interested to hear from knowledgeable mariners who recognize what this vessel represents.