An Invitation to own a legend! A rare classic and extraordinary vessel awaiting her next steward.
Maintained to the highest standard and in Bristol condition, DOVETAIL is a prime example of the legendary Trumpy motor yachts.
If you’re considering a true classic, this is an incredible opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind yacht in turnkey condition.
Now relisted for sale through Block Island Maritime Funding (BIMF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She is offered via a flexible, interest-free three-year lease-to-purchase program, with payment options available monthly, quarterly, annually, or upfront.
John Trumpy & Sons Inc.
Five generations ago, Casper Trumpy of Bergen Norway, was the proud owner of a shipyard situated at the foot of The Seven Mountains. Trumpy’s son, John, grew up working in that shipyard before earning a Naval Architecture degree in Berlin. Upon Casper’s passing, John sold the business and found himself moving to America.
Bringing his shipbuilding knowledge from overseas, John Trumpy embarked on his professional career working at the New York Shipyard in Philadelphia. This opened the opportunity to lease a space in the John H. Mathis Shipyard in Camden, New Jersey, where John Trumpy became a partner setting out to design and build private yachts. The two companies, John H Mathis Company and the Mathis Yacht Building company, operated in tandem at the Camden Yard.
The increasingly wealthy class of Americans in the early 1900s brought demands in design which John Trumpy answered. Favoring fast commuter yachts, John saw the writing on the wall by Americans; they were not interested in the European long-voyage vessels with elaborate interiors. Americans wanted to get from their Long Island Sound estate to Manhattan, quickly and comfortably. Trumpys were sporting narrow beams, shallow drafts for speed and maneuverability and luxurious interiors; all the while not having to sacrifice performance. By the 1920s, Trumpy’s signature style became iconic. Some of John’s famous work made it to families such as the Guggenheims, Whitneys, and Chryslers.
Trumpys didn’t stay in the leisure lane. Notable builds such as the 104’ SEQUOIA II (1925) became the U.S. Presidential Yacht from Hoover to the Carter Administration. She is now a National Historic Landmark. John kept going. In 1931, ALAMO, a 148’ steel-hulled vessel was later acquired by the U.S. Navy, renamed ALABASTER, PYc21. She was used as a coastal patrol yacht of the United States Navy during World War II, serving from 1942 to 1945.
John H Mathis passed in 1939, leaving John Trumpy the sole owner of the Mathis Yacht Building Company.
Due to increased wartime demand in 1942, the Mathis Yacht Building Co. relocated to Gloucester City, New Jersey, where it was renamed John Trumpy & Sons in 1943. During the prohibitions, The Coast Guard continued to have Trumpy build several models because of the sheer speed they produced.
Settling in Annapolis, Maryland in 1947, and acquiring Annapolis Yacht Yard, John Trumpy & Sons set out on their most celebrated and productive eras. Unfortunately, the yard was destroyed following a fire in 1962; and just one year later, John Trumpy Jr. would take the reins following his father’s death. Rising costs, labor strikes, and the cheaper fiberglass hull’s introduction in 1974, John Trumpy & Sons was dissolved. In the 60-year history, 400 Trumpy yachts were designed, and only 90 still exist today.
DOVETAIL (Contract #446) stands as the third-to-last Trumpy ever built and the final one in the highly sought-after classic flush deck “houseboat” motor yacht series.
Prospective buyers will discover her in outstanding mechanical and cosmetic shape—featuring fresh hull paint, fully modernized systems, and essentially turnkey condition, ready for nothing more than your own personal flair.
She underwent an extensive, expertly executed refit in 2019 at McMillen Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and today presents in impeccable, beautifully maintained form.
Commissioned by Mr. Earl Cantor and originally launched in 1972 as GERIFAY, she proudly served as the official committee boat during the prestigious 1974 America’s Cup races off Newport, Rhode Island. Over the years, she has carried these distinguished names in sequence: LADY Q, HILLARY JANE, CARONIA, ZARYA, STATELY LADY, DISCOVERY, and now DOVETAIL.
Under her previous owner's dedicated stewardship, this fortunate classic constantly received exemplary care and attention. Any prospective buyer will find her in superb mechanical and cosmetic condition.
Call today for a showing.
Forward features a spacious and generously appointed buffet layout, offering ample storage for wine, glassware, dishware, silver; all perfectly suited for entertaining. A thoughtful pass-through connects directly to the galley, enhancing convenience and flow.
All cabinetry is exquisitely finished in beautifully matched mahogany, exuding timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
Additionally, a highly desirable on-deck day-head is conveniently positioned along the companionway to the galley. Boasting an elegantly finished interior featuring premium Corian countertop.
• Samsung flat screen TV (2014)
• Denon stereo receiver with Bluetooth
• Circular dining table which seats 6
• 6 Dining chairs
• Caned, barrel back secretary chair
• Small secretary/writing desk on aft bulkhead
• 2 Upholstered easy chairs
• Full size upholstered sofa
• 2 Opening “roll down” side windows to allow for fresh air
• 3 Reading lamps
• Lamp table
• Wall to wall carpet
• Aft deck door flanked by large windows
• Corian countertops
• GE electric Profile Stainless 4-burner glass stovetop with oven (2018)
• GE Stainless convection microwave with exhaust fan (2018)
• GE full size 2-door refrigerator with freezer drawer (2018)
• Fisher & Paykel stainless two drawer dishwasher (2018)
• U-Line wine chiller (2018) located in Salon
• Large sink with new garbage disposal and spray handle faucet
• Teak and holly flooring
• Large port and starboard windows (starboard window rolls down)
• 5 110v Outlets
• Very good storage for provisions, plates, glasses, etc.
• Access to the Wheelhouse via lockable door with screen
• Access to the salon via swing door
• Corian countertops
• GE electric Profile Stainless 4-burner glass stovetop with oven (2018)
• GE Stainless convection microwave with exhaust fan (2018)
• GE full size 2-door refrigerator with freezer drawer (2018)
• Fisher & Paykel stainless two drawer dishwasher (2018)
• U-Line wine chiller (2018) located in Salon
• Large sink with new garbage disposal and spray handle faucet
• Teak and holly flooring
• Large port and starboard windows (starboard window rolls down)
• 5 110v Outlets
• Very good storage for provisions, plates, glasses, etc.
• Access to the Wheelhouse via lockable door with screen
• Access to the salon via swing door
• 2 Rebuilt Common Rail Cummins QSM-11 engines installed 2018 (2300hrs - 3/2026)
• 2 ZF 2:1 gear ratio reduction transmissions
• Dual mechanical Morse control levers for each engine paired with electronic interface
• Electronic VesselView Mercury Gauges at helm and in Engine Room for Cummins
• 25KW Northern Lights Generator in sound shield new 2015 (3820hrs - 3/2026)
• 25KW Northern Lights Generator in sound shield new 2018 (1685hrs - 3/2026)
• Custom water separator stack exhaust system with below waterline water discharge
• Duplex RACOR Fuel Filters for Engines and single’s Generators
• Engine room MakeUp air blower
• Engine and transmission oil and fluid change system
• NAIAD 254 hydraulic stabilizer system
• Hydraulic bow thruster Dedicated PTO off 25kw generator (2018)
• Buell Air Compressor/ Horn system
• 2 Balmar 24v 140AMP alternators
• 2 Victron 24/12 Volt battery Inverter/Charger
• 6 Group 27 AGM start batteries 12vDC
• 8 Group 31 AGM House Bank batteries 24vDC
• 100 Amp 110/220 Volt AC system - Single Cord
• Smart Y 50-100-amp converter
• 110V Florescent Engine Room Lighting
• 110V emergency Bilge Pump with manifold
• 3 Automatic Jabsco Bilge Pumps with Bilge alarms and Counters
• Stainless Freshwater Accumulator tank
• Spectra 220vac Newport 700 RO fresh water-maker
• 8 Cruisair AC condensers (2019)
• Stainless 40gal hot water heater (2018)
• Work bench, tool chest
• 2 Galvanic Isolators
• Hynautic hydraulic steering
• Emergency Tiller
• Automatic Fire-Boy engine room CO2 fire extinguishing system
• Macerator/Overboard discharge system with deck pump out
• Teak covered side decks and bow (re-seamed/re-fastened 2019)
• 2 Bow storage lockers/bench seats
• Bench seating forward of pilothouse
• Fully enclosed air-conditioned aft deck with wing doors, isinglass enclosure, and area rug
• All new canvas and isinglass (2021)
• Original Trumpy aft bench seat with access to Lazarette below
• 4 Original Trumpy aft deck chairs
• Custom aft deck high/low table
• Buffet/Bar area with sink - (2018) icemaker and storage
• Mast on roof/boat deck with owner absent and meal light
• Nautical Structures davit for lifting and lowering a tender (Fully serviced 2018)
• 50kg Delta plow anchor (2014)
• Second Fortress anchor
• Ideal Electric Windlass with deck control (rebuilt 2014)
• Varnished trim and accents throughout
• Fresh water and saltwater wash-down on foredeck (separate spigots)
• 100 Amp shore power service (Engine room port light)
• 100 Amp shore power
• Assorted life jackets and all USCG required safety gear, Placards and Lighting
• Ring Buoys
• Boat Hook
• Ships Bell
• 6-tread adjustable Marquipt
• Swim Ladder
• Swim Platform (2019)
• Hull is constructed of double planked Mahogany (3/4” outer 3/8” inner) with 5200
• Hull was painted with White Alexseal (2019)
• Painted non-skid upper deck (2014)
• Fiberglass deck box for storage on upper deck
Positioned Aft, the full-beam owner stateroom offers a serene retreat. Its’ centerline queen berth takes a tasteful modernization of the original twin layout - refined, comfortable, and in keeping with DOVETAIL's timeless spirit.
• Centerline queen berth
• 2 Reading lamps
• Port and starboard chest of drawers
• Bulkhead mounted mirror
• 8 Opening ports with curtains
• 2 Large cedar lined hanging lockers
• Large storage locker access to under stair storage
• A/C controls
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Fitted and bound wall-to-wall carpet
• Completely remodeled shower/head in 2018
• Full size walk-in glass shower
• Corian sink with vanity
• Vinyl flooring
• Raritan electric flush head (FW)
• Large mirror
• Opening port with curtain
• 12V Fan
Forward of the master stateroom, DOVETAIL's midship accommodations comprise two symmetrical port and starboard twin cabins accessed via a central passageway. The hall is finished with bound wall-to-wall carpet and lined with two large lockers and a linen closet. Each cabin features the following:
• 2 Twin lower berths to port and starboard with a chest of drawers in between
• 2 Reading lamps
• 2 Opening ports with curtains
• Smoke/Carbon monoxide detector
• Hanging locker
• Fitted and bound wall to wall carpet
• A/C Controls
• Bookcases
• Completely remodeled both heads and showers in 2018
• Large stall showers
• Corian sinks with vanity
• Vinyl floorings
• Raritan electric flush heads (FW)
• Large mirrors
• Opening ports with curtains
• 12v Fans
Accessed via the companionway from the helm, the forward crew quarters offer a well-considered layout. Features include a dedicated bunk room, a private captain's cabin, and a dining settee with a convenient laundry area.
• Stall shower forward with wash basin and access to anchor locker
• Separate enclosed head with washbasin
• Separate enclosed Captain’s cabin single berth, with drawer storage
• 6 Opening ports
• Twin size upper berths w/reading lamps
• Overhead hatch access/ventilation
• Locker and drawer storage
• 2 Large hanging lockers
• Dinette with storage under the seats
• Asko W6424 clothes washer (2018)
• Asko T754 clothes dryer (2018)
• Bound and fitted wall-to-wall carpeting
• Smoke/Carbon monoxide alarms
• A/C Controls
• Chrome clock and Barometer set
• Access to Engine Room
Fall/Winter 2017/2018 (McMillen Yachts, Portsmouth, RI)
Significant work done during this period:
• Vessel Repowered, removing Detroit 12v71 engines, replacing them with Cummins QSM-11 engines and ZF Marine Gears. Intermediate shafts replaced and new ACME 4 blade props installed
• A new exhaust system was engineered and custom built forDOVETAIL’snew power plant.
• 65% of the bottom planking below the water line was replaced, the bow, under engines, tanks, and at the chines. Any suspect areas were removed and replaced. Multiple frames were replaced and repaired in the re-planking process.
• Significant repairs were done to the keel inside the boat to remove delignification damage and multiple repairs were also made to floors and shaft logs.
• Fuel Tanks were opened, cleaned and inspected. Found to be in excellent condition.
• Two new pillow bearings were replaced inside the vessel to support the shaft.
• All main engineering thru-hull bronze thru-hull valves replaced with new.
• Significant wood repairs made to transom, before re-paint.
• One new Northern Lights 25kw generator was installed to match the existing 25kw unit.
• Complete new Electrical system was installed, upgrading the vessel to 100-amp service and building a 24vdc Battery system for quiet ship service.
• A new ISO Boost isolation transformer was installed
• All lighting was converted to 24vdc LED from 110vac lighting.
• New Fresh Water pressure system installed, as well as new Torrid stainless hot water tank.
• A new emergency bilge pump manifold and system was installed.
• A new saltwater wash-down system was installed for anchor wash.
• A new Black water tank and system was installed. With headhunter monitoring system
• A new oil change system was installed for engines, generators and transmissions.
• Complete engine room refurbishment was undertaken, including noise and heat transfer insulation.
• New oven, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator installed in the galley.
• A new 220vac Spectra Newport 700 water maker was installed.
• All exterior varnish was stripped down to bare wood and rebuilt up to a glass finish with multiple coats.
• Spare tail shafts checked and trued. Spare props purchased and mounted in lazarette
• Bottom paint and prop speed.
Spring 2019 (Stuart, FL)
• All Air conditioning for Crew, Galley/wheelhouse, Salon and Guest staterooms were replaced with new Marine Air condensers and fan-coils.
• Nautical Structures crane removed and hydraulic components serviced.
Fall 2019 (McMillen Yachts, Portsmouth, RI)
• Boat hauled and all topside paint removed back to wood, numerous wood repairs done on topsides around port lights and all guest port lights removed for refurbishment and glass replacement.
• Topside planking splined with mahogany splines. Topsides filled faired and repainted.
• Day head refurbished with new countertops, fixtures and flooring.
• Rudders removed and rudder-ports removed. All bottom planking structure replaced rudder-ports and new structure and engineering of steering installed.
• Fore-deck freeman hatch removed, and teak deck replaced atop hatch.
• Routine maintenance, bottom paint and prop speed.
Winter 2019 (Stuart, FL)
• Teak swim platform re-engineered and replaced with new.
• Air conditioning for owner’s stateroom and aft deck replaced.
Fall 2020 (Hinckley Yachts, Portsmouth, RI)
• Complete refurbishment of owners and guest heads including new tiled showers, vanities, sinks, fixtures, floors and paint.
• Re seamed / re-calked, re-fastened side-deck and foredeck teak, then sanded.
• Replaced with new one water tank under guest bunk in starboard cabin.
• Installed new AC cooling water pump and new emergency bilge pump.
• Routine maintenance, bottom paint and prop speed.
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com
