Estralita: A Timeless Classic Yacht Overview
Transferable Liveaboard Slip
Few classic or antique yachts are worthy of the investment for full restoration. It takes a special yacht to fit that bill, and "Estralita" (her original build name) is one of them. Designed as a one-of-a-kind “one-off” and built as a blue water cruiser and liveaboard in 1950 at Gig Harbor, Washington by the Northwest’s premier yacht designer Ed Monk Senior, Estralita was spared no expense and has been meticulously maintained and restored. She was and still is a “super yacht” of the golden age of Northwest yachting.
Design and Construction
Estralita was designed and built for Ed Monk’s good friend and aircraft flying buddy Art Glein. Together, they constructed a boat house and yard (Glein Boatworks) specifically for her construction in Gig Harbor. The duo employed all of Monk’s design genius and skills, resulting in a true work of nautical art and a premier example of Northwest maritime history at the height of wooden shipbuilding craftsmanship. Monk’s “heavy construction” technique utilizes double ribbing/beam construction out of white oak, double hull thickness in yellow cedar, teak decking and interior, and ironwood rails. Her reverse raked elliptical design with the only canoe transom in Monk Senior’s extensive design fleet is shown off in her deep draft, tall windows, graceful mid-century lines, and rounded stern deck. Unlike most “lake yachts” with 2-3’ drafts, she is built more like a small ship with a 6’8” draft designed for blue water.
Location
Estralita is currently moored at a covered Seattle Lake Union liveaboard slip that is close to everything in Seattle, including one block to Burke Gilman Trail, restaurants and cafes, Amazon and downtown, UW campus is walking distance, and fully transferable. The slip is south-facing, gets plenty of sun, and has a nice view. Also comes with a comprehensive maintenance contract if you’d like someone else to take care of the brightwork.
Accommodation
Estralita is a double cabin cruiser with 2 forward queen-sized staterooms plus salon pullout futon sleeping 7 and dining for up to 10. Full-sized galley with original cast iron stove, handmade tile, and stainless fridge, all original full-sized head with cast iron porcelain tub, sink, and European composting toilet, forward 1/4 head, tall windows throughout with original glass, new upholstery, ample amount of built-in teak storage, and cedar-lined hanging lockers (closets). 90” headroom in the helm and 75” headroom in galley, head, salon, and staterooms. New electrical, LED throughout, new plumbing, integrated BOSE sound system, flatscreens, wireless navigation. All original and restored; classic teak, mahogany, white oak, cedar, sole, and bronze throughout.
Restoration and Upgrades
During a 10-year restoration, Estralita has had all interior restored, all services upgraded, hull refastened, and a number of planks replaced above the waterline, starboard ironwood rub rail replaced, and all her work has been accomplished to a professional standard with traditional methods and materials. Her decks (planked teak) are original while the only addition to her design is the Irish felt canvas with rubberized waterproofing coating her cabin. She’s in impeccable original and restored condition, a true work of art. She has retained, with few exceptions, all her original interior and exterior hardware, attachments, lighting fixtures, engine, etc. There have been but few alterations in her layout.
Layout
- Most Forward: Chain locker, opening into forepeak stateroom with port stacked berth and central queen berth, across a settee with storage beneath.
- Forward: 1/4 head (now converted to storage) to starboard, master berth to port with storage underneath, built-in drawer, bookshelves, and a huge hanging locker to starboard.
- Main Cabin: Steering station to port forward, companion settee converted to fold-out futon to starboard, sliding doors lead to the deck.
- Dinette: “C” shaped dinette to port with fold-out tabletop, accommodating up to 10.
- Galley: “U” shaped galley to port with built-in chest of drawers entertainment hutch and head compartment to starboard.
- Aft Deck: Spacious and comfortable, with steps leading up from the centerline.
Specifications
- Length: 47’ LOA
- Beam: 12’9”
- Draft: 6’8”
- Net Weight: 19T
- Gross Weight: 27T
- Fuel Capacity: 450 gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity: 150 gallons
- Engine: Single Detroit 671 diesel
- Generator: Koehler 3.5k
- Inverter/Battery Maintenance: Outback 3.5k
- Solar System: 800 Watt 60 Amp
- Navigation: Wireless with GPS, AIS, VHF, Furuno Radar
- Dinghy: Whitehall sailing dinghy
Features
- Electrical and Plumbing: All replaced and upgraded, LED throughout, 30 amp main 120V service, 32V DC house, 12V accessories, 12 Trojan 8V batteries.
- Heating: Webasto hydronic diesel heater, electric forced air heat.
- Entertainment: Integrated BOSE sound system, 43” and 32” Samsung smart TVs, high-speed internet at slip.
- Galley: Original cast iron stove, stainless surround, original tile, convection/air fry/micro countertop combo.
- Bathroom: Full-sized cast iron tub, porcelain sink, original tile, European composting toilet.
Estralita is a federally documented vessel with all paperwork dating back to the original build invoices, manuals, repair invoices, etc., included in a handy and historically relevant set of binders. If you are looking for a “special” yacht that garners respect, admiration, and is built to last many lifetimes, Estralita may be the one for you. Perhaps the most charming classic yacht you’ll find anywhere in the world.
