SUMMER SONG - DERECKTOR FOR SALE

A MUST SEE — a timeless 68-foot classic aluminum motor yacht, American-built in 1969 and crafted for those who prize strength, range, and enduring style. With her robust aluminum hull and decks, she delivers the rare combination of pedigree construction and purposeful cruising capability, the kind that inspires confidence offshore and turns heads in any harbor.

Her generous 16-foot beam creates an expansive sense of volume throughout, allowing for wide, comfortable passageways and inviting gathering spaces. The deep, confidence-building draft underscores a bluewater mindset, promoting a steady, seakindly ride on extended passages. Twin inboard Caterpillar diesels supply the dependable torque and efficiency discerning mariners expect, while the substantial 1,400 gallons of fuel open the door to true long-range exploration well beyond the next horizon.

On board, the yacht’s layout is oriented around comfort and privacy, anchored by three well-placed heads that support gracious living and hosting. The scale of a 68-footer translates to a salon capable of refined entertaining, an accommodating galley for real culinary work, and restful private spaces that lend themselves to life aboard—whether for seasonal cruising or an elegant liveaboard lifestyle. Thoughtful aluminum construction keeps weight smartly managed without sacrificing durability, and the natural resilience of the material simplifies stewardship for the next custodian.

Practicalities are equally considered: 160 gallons of freshwater support extended weekends and coastal adventures, while the yacht’s solid engineering and purposeful systems set the stage for efficient passagemaking. From the dockside presence of a classic motor yacht to the capable stance of a long-range cruiser, this is a platform that rewards both the helmsman and the host—serene at anchor, surefooted underway, and unmistakably distinguished.

If your vision includes bluewater discovery, refined coastal living, or a stately liveaboard retreat, this 1969 aluminum yacht delivers the versatility and gravitas to make it real. A rare opportunity in the United States to own an authentic classic with modern cruising relevance.

Category keywords: Classic Motor Yacht, Aluminum Yacht, Long-Range Cruiser, Bluewater Cruiser, Expedition Yacht, Pilothouse Motor Yacht, Trawler Yacht, Cruising Yacht, Liveaboard Yacht.

Electronics

At the helm, navigation is guided by a Garmin GPS suite and a Furuno radar with a 72-mile range, complemented by depth sounders from Garmin and Furuno and an Interphase forward-scan sonar. Communications are assured by two ICOM VHF radios and a Furuno AIS, while a Simrad autopilot and Simrad rudder-angle indicator deliver precise control. Anglers will appreciate the Furuno fish finder, and night passages benefit from two Carlisle & Finch Co. searchlights.

Inside equipment

On board comfort is anchored by a Technicold two-unit chilled-water air-conditioning system, joined by an LG refrigerator and a Side Power proportional hydraulic bow thruster. Ride quality is elevated by NAIAD 254 Multi-Sea II stabilizers, while four Rule 2,500 bilge pumps and Insta-Trim trim tabs stand ready for robust operation. The Headhunter water-jet flushing heads feed through a Shelco Micro Guardian in-line fresh-water filtration system, and an Offshore Marine watermaker is currently pickled. Entertainment is elegantly concealed: two 42-inch Samsung LED televisions rise on mechanical lifts from cabinetry in the upper and lower saloons. Practicality abounds with an air compressor, an Alpha Laval fuel polisher, dual fuel-transfer pumps (110 VAC / 24 VDC), and two hydraulic emergency pumps. Maintenance is simplified by an electric oil-change pump serving both main-engine lube oil and transmission gear oil, and a clothes washer and dryer complete the domestic amenities.

Outside equipment

Deck operations are effortless with a 24 VDC vertical windlass and comprehensive ground tackle comprising a plow anchor with roll bar, 150 feet of chain and 150 feet of three-strand rode, plus a new bridle. Four heavy-duty inflatable fenders, approximately 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter, protect the topsides, while safety is underscored by a Viking RescYou 8-person coastal life raft and an ACR EPIRB. The tender is a 12-foot Novurania powered by a 30 hp Honda four-stroke, launched via a 1,000 lb davit beneath a folding radar mast. Practical touches include two bow deck boxes, a generous cockpit, a swim platform, and MarQuipt Tide-Rider stairs (brackets positioned amidships).

Engines

Power comes from two CAT C-15 diesels (2007) showing 3,500 hours, driving inboard direct-drive shafts through TwinDisc transmissions to 5-blade bronze propellers. Each engine is rated at 850 hp and breathes through a wet-exhaust system with bypass, with fuel cleanliness guarded by Racor primary filtration, two per engine.

Tank capacities

All tanks are aluminum, with fuel capacity of 1,400 gallons divided among four tanks, fresh water capacity of 160 gallons, and waste capacity of 150 gallons.

Key features

A truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of American maritime history: the classic motor yacht Summer Song, launched by the prestigious Derecktor shipyard in New York in 1969, where timeless elegance meets modern performance. A comprehensive, multi-million-dollar refit in 2007, including a lengthening and full repower, has been seamlessly complemented by continuous upgrades under meticulous ownership since 2017. Cruising comfortably and efficiently with a top speed of 19 knots on the Chesapeake Bay, she now benefits from targeted 2024 and 2025 enhancements that confirm turnkey readiness: in 2024 she received a new starboard generator, a Viking 8-person life raft, a new ACR EPIRB, a complete distress kit, a new salon air handler, and a Headhunter tank-monitoring system; in 2025 she was treated to fresh bottom paint, new anodes, PropSpeed on the running gear, new shaft seals, new stabilizer seals, a new bilge pump, precision engine alignment, and new main-engine start batteries. The result is an iconic American yacht that harmonizes comfort, efficiency, and historical prestige, prepared for immediate cruising.

Description

SUMMER SONG was built at the Derecktor Yard in New York under the supervision of Mr. Robert Derecktor. Quiet, fast, and remarkably comfortable, she underwent a stem-to-stern refit in 2007 at Bradford Marine in Florida at a cost exceeding $4 million, with all records maintained on board. She is thoughtfully equipped with numerous redundant systems for peace of mind, and today cruises the Chesapeake Bay, wintering in the Carolinas. During the refit, most major systems were renewed, including but not limited to the main engines; two gensets; the electronics suite—Garmin GPS 5212 and 5208 were added in 2015; the fuel manifold; vessel wiring; the air-conditioning system; interior decking and carpet; galley appliances with a new range and refrigerator; and hot-water tanks. Under current ownership, notable works include a complete exterior repaint in 2017; replacement of cutlass bearings in 2023; and removal, balancing, and reinstallation of shafts and propellers in 2023. In 2024 the starboard genset was replaced with a brand-new unit valued at $25,000, a new 8-person liferaft was added, a new ACR EPIRB installed, the lower-saloon roof was refinished in Awlgrip, bottom paint and anodes were renewed, the salon air handler replaced, new Headhunter 110 VAC and 24 VDC water pumps fitted, a new galley hood installed, new Headhunter Tank Sentry units added, a fuel-transfer pump fitted, the starboard trim-tab pump and reservoir replaced, the starboard hot-water-tank heating element renewed, a lazarette bilge-pump float switch replaced, a new tender battery installed, and an anchor bridle supplied.

Accommodations

There are three convenient boarding points—port and starboard amidships or aft via the cockpit. Entering, you step into the welcoming upper salon and the well-appointed, highly functional pilothouse. To starboard of the helm and a few steps down lies the opulent lower salon, with a sofa and chairs to starboard and a single lounge chair to port. Proceeding forward, the layout opens to a portside dinette opposite a starboard galley. Farther forward are additional guest or crew quarters with over/under berths, an ensuite head with a full stand-up shower, a hanging locker, and multiple drawers for clothing and extra bedding. Aft of the lower salon a twin guest cabin to port provides a hanging locker and eight drawers beneath the berths, while to starboard across the companionway is the guest/day head with stand-up shower. Continuing aft, the master stateroom features a queen centerline berth, his-and-hers hanging lockers, and abundant dresser drawers around the perimeter and beneath the bed, along with a private ensuite head with shower. The engine room is easily accessed just aft of the galley via three steps, with all systems well maintained and readily serviceable.

Electrical

Electrical systems are robust and flexible, led by two 21 kW ONAN generators powered by Kubota engines, with hours showing approximately 2,500 on the port unit and 12 on the starboard. Ship’s services are distributed across 110 VAC, 24 VDC, and 12 VDC, with shore-power options of 100 A single or twin 50 A feeds, plus a splitter box to combine two 50 A lines into one 100 A supply. Charging is handled by Sentry 12 V and 24 V battery chargers, while battery banks comprise two 8-D house batteries, two 8-D main-engine starting batteries, two Group 27 electronics batteries, and two Group 27 genset-starting batteries.