Luke Gaff Henry B Nevins Express Runabout

1927 Henry B. Nevins Built Express Runabout

A truly unique listing exclusive to us. 'New Yorker' is a boat like no other, steeped in history, the provenance of this vessel is genuinely remarkable. Please read below for more information:

Design and History

Designed by Tams and King Inc., 250, Park Avenue, New York City, USA, for the 1927 season. From as early as 1869, an early craze for fast gentlemen's yachts emerged on Lake Windermere. Not to be outdone, the craze moved across the Atlantic to the shores of the East Coast of America where numerous famous personalities acquired equally and perhaps more luxurious steam yachts. Between the Wars, a need by the many wealthy men of fortune from Wall Street to spend their wealth on craft gave the creation of nearly 300 vessels, ranging from 25 ft to 300 ft. Speed was essential, and the game was to race from their homes to the landing stage at the foot of 23rd Street on the Hudson River and the exclusive use of the pier at 26th Street on the East River in New York. The boats soon became faster and faster as each new construction became a reality, its duty to get its owner to work and home the fastest. They soon took on nicknames as Fast Commuters or Flyers. Accommodation was generally minimal but plush, speed being the utmost need of its owner. Altogether over 300 Commuters were built, constructed from numerous yards along the Eastern Seaboard. One of the owners was Mr Patrick Grant 2nd, of Philadelphia, who had the above designers and builders construct the 66 ft long 45 mph Commuter originally called PHANTOM. She was constructed to a V-bottom design. The two engines were arranged in echelon, the starboard engine being forward of the port one. This enabled ample space in the engine-room. The engine trunk was low, and originally a short cabin aft was built incorporating a pantry and toilet. A notable feature of this craft was a huge cockpit forward, above which was fitted a helm's position. This gave him a clear vision at all times, perhaps something of a must when travelling then at 38.5 mph. The hull is longitudinal in design, Honduras Mahogany lined internally with Cedar on Oak frames. After the death of Mr Grant, PHANTOM was sold by Tams & King, Inc., to Ralph Pulitzer of New York City.

Military History

This spectacular vessel even has some military history behind her, serving as a fast rescue boat with the RAF during WW2, stationed in Liverpool & Anglesea.

Current Status

At present, New Yorker is lying in Port Medway Marina, Kent and is powered by 360hp Scania 12 litre straight-6 diesel engines along with new RPM 1500SC, 1.58x1 gearboxes.

New Yorker presents endless possibilities for her new owner including; a wonderful liveaboard opportunity, a home away from home, or a piece of history with an incredible story behind her which the new owner can continue on.

September 2021 survey, drone footage, and further history information available by request.

Contact Blue Lagoon Marine today for more information!

Mechanical

• 2 x Scania 12L straight-6 diesel engines producing 360HP each side installed circa 2005
• Engine hours approximately 100 since installation
• Max speed 22 knots, cruising speed 10 knots
• RPM 1500SC, 1.58x1 gearboxes
• Ample space in engine bay
• Gauges consist of: rudder angle indicator, oil pressure, temperature, rev gauges
• Morse Marine engine controls
• Fuel header tanks (368 litre capacity) located in the wheelhouse above the engines which also supply Webasto 5kW heater.
• Main tanks (792 litre capacity) located below galley floor

Electrical

• Cetrek automatic battery charger
• Electric anchor windlass with foot pedals
• Battery isolator switch in engine bay
• Four batteries, x2 for each engine respectively to provide 24V, starboard engine batteries also supply 600w inverter to run fridge/tv etc at anchor
• Portable Honda silent run generator, 2000w
• Lighting throughout all cabins, galley, and corridors
• TV in master cabin and guest cabin
• Windscreen wiper

Navigation

• VDO rudder indicator
• Raymarine hybrid touch chart plotter
• Raymarine autohelm
• Raymarine depth sounder
• Icom handheld VHF
• Garmin GPS 72
• Navigation lights

Interior & Domestic

Accommodation

• Master bedroom with en suite
• En suite consists of bath, freshwater sink, and WC fitted with Saniflo system (discharged overboard)
• Plenty of windows allowing natural light in with draw curtains
• Pull out drawers for storage
• Integrated ceiling spotlights
• Single guest cabin with freshwater sink
• Pull out drawers for storage
• Vanity mirror

Wheelhouse

• Spacious wheelhouse with panoramic view for great visibility when underway
• Access to engines directly beneath wheelhouse flooring
• Port and starboard sliding doors out to the sidewalks

Galley

• Siemens integrated stove
• Freshwater sink
• Samsung washing machine
• Indesit tumble dryer
• Samsung microwave
• Integrated fridge
• Access through to the saloon
• Hot water cylinder immersion heater (240v) approx. 60 litres

Saloon

• Large u-shaped seating area which converts into a double berth
• Classic dining table
• Diesel heating control system
• Great sense of space/headroom
• Beautiful woodwork throughout
• WC/shower at the stern
• Walkway through to the stern seating area

Deck

• Very generous side walks
• Port and starboard sliding doors granting access to the wheelhouse
• High guard/hand rails up to the bow
• Electric anchor windlass foot pedals at the bow
• Outside stern seating area with cushions