1929 Vintage Gidley 52 Retro Modern Motor Yacht

Built in 1929 at Gidley Boat Company in Georgian Bay, this 52-foot motor yacht is cedar planked over white oak, extensively reconstructed and updated to modern standards. The 1993–2000 restoration involved major structural work: much of the original cedar planking and ribs were replaced with laminated oak ribs, and the hull was sealed with epoxy using vacuum bagging. The interior and exterior were rebuilt throughout, with rich Honduran mahogany paneling, pecan and mahogany strip-plank sole, and teak decks. The hull now meets current ABYC standards. A Detroit 6-71 diesel engine rated at 220 horsepower propels the boat to a cruising speed of 8 knots and a top speed of 14 knots; the full-displacement hull design and 12-foot beam make her efficient and easy to handle. The boat includes a bow thruster for docking and a sizeable rudder for maneuvering.

The layout flows from a galley in the bow, fitted with a propane range and oven, refrigerated sea chest, and abundant storage, beneath a butterfly hatch. A padded forward seat sits in the forepeak. The dining salon amidships features a U-shaped dinette for six to eight and an electrically lowered mahogany table that converts to a queen berth. The wheelhouse sits three steps up with helm controls, a vintage varnished steering wheel, and a large compass; modern Garmin GPS, autopilot, and radar are also installed. A settee aft of the helm overlooks the long bow, and a bar refrigerator is fitted underneath.

Aft of the wheelhouse, a guest stateroom with bunk bed and dedicated head connects to the main companionway. The owner's stateroom features a queen berth athwartships facing port, abundant mahogany storage, and an en suite head with separate shower. Natural light enters through numerous opening windows, ports, and hatches throughout. Deck spaces include a raised teak platform aft of the wheelhouse with lounging and dining areas, a lazarette, swim platform with ladder, and a custom davit system for a wooden dinghy.

Equipment includes a 12 kW generator, 50-amp shore power, ESPAR diesel heating, anchor windlass with 250 feet of chain, modern radar and GPS, VHF radio, autopilot, and upgraded electrical systems. The engine room offers seven feet of headroom. A yard trailer capable of safely transporting the yacht is included.