1935 New York Yacht Cutter Boat in Brisbane, CA 94005 US
Built in 1935
Cutter
1 Engine (Yanmar)
49 feet
Diesel
Wooden
FREELANCE - A Classic American Sailing Yacht
1935 Henry J. Gielow Designed Cutter | 39' on Deck | 49' Overall
For the discerning yachtsman who appreciates the beauty, character, and sailing traditions of a classic wooden yacht, FREELANCE represents a rare opportunity to own a distinguished example of American yacht design and craftsmanship.
Designed in 1935 by noted naval architect Henry J. Gielow and built that same year by New York Yacht, Launch & Engine Co., FREELANCE embodies the graceful proportions, purposeful construction, and seagoing character of the finest traditional sailing yachts of her era.
Her elegant sheerline, classic cutter rig, long overhangs, and substantial displacement reflect a time when sailing yachts were designed not simply for speed, but for seaworthiness, balance, and the satisfaction of sailing a beautifully proportioned vessel.
Built with mahogany planking over oak frames to the waterline and fir planking above, FREELANCE is a testament to traditional wooden yacht construction. Her approximately 26,000-pound displacement, 10'5" beam, and 6'2" draft give her the substantial proportions characteristic of a traditional offshore-capable cruising cutter.
A Classic Cutter for San Francisco Bay
FREELANCE is particularly well suited to the traditions of classic yacht sailing on San Francisco Bay, where her substantial displacement, powerful cutter sail plan, and long waterline when heeled offer appealing characteristics for sailing in the Bay's frequently brisk afternoon winds.
Her cutter configuration provides versatility in sail selection, allowing the sailing crew to balance the yacht for changing wind and sea conditions. Her traditional hull form and substantial displacement offer the reassuring feel and deliberate motion that attract experienced sailors to classic wooden yachts.
FREELANCE is equally at home participating in classic yacht gatherings, Master Mariners events, and spirited sailing along the San Francisco waterfront. With her graceful lines and traditional rig, she is the kind of yacht that attracts admiration whether under full sail or resting quietly at her berth.
The Appeal of Ownership
Ownership of FREELANCE is about more than acquiring a sailing yacht. It is an opportunity to become the next custodian of a remarkable piece of American maritime history.
Classic wooden yachts of this pedigree are appreciated not only for their construction and appearance, but also for the unique sailing experience they provide. The sound of water passing along a traditionally planked hull, the feel of a well-balanced cutter under sail, and the unmistakable beauty of varnished wood and traditional fittings are pleasures that modern production yachts seldom replicate.
For the sailor who values heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality, FREELANCE offers an opportunity to preserve and enjoy a 1935 American classic while continuing her sailing story on San Francisco Bay and beyond.
FREELANCE is not simply another used sailboat — she is a classic yacht with a pedigree, personality, and presence all her own.
For the traditional sailor seeking a vessel worthy of pride of ownership, classic yacht competition, and memorable days under sail on San Francisco Bay, FREELANCE deserves serious consideration. Master Mariners history and notoriety will offer the new owner a classic platform for participation in this prestigious group.
Her distinctive Gielow design, 1935 construction, and traditional cutter rig distinguish her from contemporary production sailboats. She offers an increasingly uncommon opportunity to become part of the continuing history of a genuine American wooden yacht.
The planking has been refastened in 2003, with bronze wood screws below the waterline. Over the years there been about a dozen planks replaced with Mahogany below the waterline. Both main fir stringers were found to be cracked about midships after the cabin interior was removed and were sistered with vertical grain fir and epoxyed and bolted. Several oak frames were found to be cracked through out the hull and were sistered with new white oak frames and bolted with bronze carriage bolts to the existing frame and screwed to the planks with bronze screws. The keel bolts that hold the lead keel are bronze and were checked about 15 years ago and were found to be in good condition
The deadwood aft was replaced in 2003 as was the rudder. The 1/4” bronze chain plates were replaced about the year 2000 with the same material and bolted with 3/8 bronze carriage bolts through each plank and interior oak backing for the length of the chain plate.
The hull was reefed and filled, sanded and primed and repainted. (over the years its been painted about 4 times with Epifanes #24.
The bulkhead and adjacent planking where the packing gland was mounted was replaced as was the packing gland with a dripless system. The Luke propeller was replaced with a standard new Max Prop. On a new 1 1/8” stainless steel shaft.
The canvas in the cabin top was removed and replaced with 1/8” ply epoxyed and fiber glassed over and repainted. The eye brow moulding was replaced to match the existing but wider.
A custom Mahogany storage box was added recently forward of the mast.
The old burned out windless was replaced with a new Maxwell windless and 250’ of 3/8 chain connecting to 45lb CQR plow anchor, also included a Danforth and rock anchor also approx 200’ of 3/4 rope rode. (all wiring is with marine grade wire). A wash down hose fitting is located forward (port side) which is controlled by a switch on the electrical panel. The pump is located under the Vee berth and the sea water supply valve is located in the head (all thru hull valves are Groco ball valves)
The port holes were removed and rebeded, cleaned and reinstalled.
The highsfield levers (for the running back stays) were replaced with Barient winches and spectra line to a block that connects to the mast
The staysail boom was replaced with a loose footed staysail and sail track deck mounted (the boom is included with the boat and there is no sail for the staysail boom).
The running lights (two sets - top of mast and board mounted on shrouds) were replaced with LED lighting and rewired to the electrical panel, a switch in electrical junction box located left of bilge pump switch controls running lights. Up is mast, down is shrouds.
Life lines have been replaced with new stainless cable.
Boarding ladder is mounted on the cabin top starboard side, The ladder has attached clips that fit into brackets mounted on each side hull about midships
Mast and boom has been completely stripped to bare wood, rewired, and all associated hardware has been removed cleaned and rebeded. Twelve coats of varnish was then applied, and revarnished as needed to the present time. The standing rigging has been professionally replaced every ten years. The running rigging has been replaced as well.
The sails were custom made for the boat by Pineapple sails and are in excellent condition as the boat has not been sailed on a regular basis. There are two reefing points on the main sail and theres a reefing winch on the boom. There is second set of used sails (main only)
A new composite main sail track was installed about 18 months ago with stainless slides, the main rides up and down easily.
In 2013 a new Yanmar diesel (3JH5E) was installed replacing the old Grey Marine gas engine, the instrument panel for the engine is located just aft of the helm in a small compartment with cover. Located with instrument panel is a Roberson Auto pilot
The fuel system was repiped using 3/8 copper tube, there is a selector switch for the one copper fuel tank located under the cockpit seats on the starboard side. It holds approx. 12.5 gals and was removed and refurbished and reinstalled with the fuel outlet on the top of the tank. There is a fuel filter and shut off valve for each tank located under the cockpit hatch and one mounted on the engine. The engine at this point has about 250 hrs.
The old galley was removed and replaced with a new configuration of cabinets and stainless sink with hand pump, and new Coran counter top and cup storage across the back. New stainless propane three burner stove with oven and 1gal propane tank located forward in salon and mounted in a cabinet above the waterline to vent properly and leak detection system that shuts off supply in the event of a leak
New refrigeration system was installed, new stainless liner was installed in the box. Located under the Nav. Counter.
SALON
The salon was completely refurbished, painted, varnished, new lighting, grab bars, wrapped with marine cord and sleeps two (narrow)
Port side cabinet was refurbished, varnished and new beveled glass was installed, as well as hinges and pulls.
Starboard side cabinet is new and matches Port side, with new hardware
Upholstery is new as well as new cockpit cushions.
Salon table was refurbished and Coran countertop was added. Table has two folding leafs and is securely mounted to the cabin soul by Allen set screws and brass studs. The table has a provision for maps and nav gear underneath.
HEAD
The head has been completely refurbished, with Teak deck, two storage compartments with doors, sink is original repiped with copper to a 35 gal water tank located under the salon. The toilet is a Wilcox/Merrimen was rebuilt and works well. Waste is piped into a 15gal waste tank, located under the salon cabin soul, a “Y” valve allows waste to be pumped overboard or to be pumped out at the dock. Removable Salon decking allows access to tanks.
VEE BERTH
The vee berth sleeps two, has reading lights, clothes hooks, hanging locker, washing sink and mirror. The battery charging system is located in a compartment under the vee berth as well as the four 6 volt batteries. A removable cover allows access to batteries.
Chain is accessed through a door at the end of the vee berth, there is an overhead light and windless control switch located within the chain locker
The chain sometimes stacks up and needs to be raked down, there is a hand rake in the chain locker. The bits were strengthened and the chain is wrapped and securely fastened to the bits.
The Garmin GPS is mounted so it can be rotated and positioned in the companionway with a spring loaded locking pin so it can be monitored from the cockpit. The boat is also equipped with an AIS system
The are two VHS radios, one mounted in the rear of the NAV station and a handheld mounted adjacent to the ladder
B&G gauges are: compass, depth, wind direction, speed
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.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 11/13/26 | Initial price | $94,950 |
Overview from around the web 1935 New York Yacht Cutter
The 1935 New York Yacht Cutter is known for classic design, traditional craftsmanship, and the distinctive character of an early yacht built for sailing and life aboard
Its appeal lies in its historic presence and the care and skill reflected in its construction. Buyers typically value originality, sound structure, well-maintained systems, and documented restoration. They should pay close attention to the condition of the hull, rig, spars, and interior, as age-related wear and the cost of preserving or replacing traditional materials can be significant.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Pros
Classic design: A 1935 New York Yacht Cutter offers distinctive vintage character and traditional craftsmanship.
Sailing appeal: Its cutter rig can provide versatile sail handling and good options for balancing sail area in changing conditions.
Historic interest: The age and style may appeal to collectors and sailors who value heritage vessels.
Potential for customization: A restoration can be tailored to suit its owner’s preferences and intended use.
Cons
Condition can vary widely: A boat of this age may need substantial work, so a careful inspection is essential.
Ongoing maintenance: Older wood, rigging, fittings, and systems can require frequent upkeep and specialist skills.
Higher restoration costs: Repairs and replacement parts may be expensive, and work can take considerable time.
Modern comforts may be limited: The interior, equipment, and onboard systems may not match those of newer boats.
Performance and handling depend on condition: Age, maintenance history, and any modifications can affect how the boat sails.
Made For
The 1935 New York Yacht Cutter is for sailors who value classic lines, traditional craftsmanship, and the character of a historic yacht. It may appeal to collectors, experienced boaters, and anyone seeking a distinctive vessel for leisurely sailing and preserving a piece of maritime heritage.
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 1935 New York Yacht Cutter | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $94,950 | $86,500 | $85,000 | $118,500 | $69,000 | $62,000 |
| Location | Brisbane | Alameda | San Pedro | Long Beach | Sausalito | Emeryville |
| Nominal Length | 49' | 32' | 35' | 38' | 36' | 28' |
| Beam | 10' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar | YANMAR | Westerbecke | SAAB |
| Total Engine Power | 39 hp | 27 hp | 30 hp | 29 hp | 52 hp | 10 hp |
| Days on Market | 1 | 129 | 17 | 163 | 51 | 638 |
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Boat Location
Contact Rubicon Yachts about 1935 New York Yacht Cutter
3300 Powell St, Suite 105, Emeryville, CA, 94608
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