SUMMER SONG - DERECKTOR FOR SALE

A MUST SEE, this 68-foot classic motor yacht from 1969 marries enduring style with proven capability. Crafted in resilient aluminum from hull to decks, she exudes the purposeful elegance connoisseurs prize in vintage luxury yachts, while rewarding owners with strength, longevity, and a remarkably quiet ride. Twin CAT inboard diesels provide the dependable thrust and reassuring efficiency that seasoned cruisers expect, and with approximately 1,400 gallons of fuel on board, she invites ambitious passages with confidence. Her 16-foot beam reveals a gracious sense of volume inside: a light-filled salon with panoramic views, a sociable galley arranged for effortless entertaining, and generous accommodations served by three heads to ensure comfort for family and guests alike. The result is a timeless aluminum motor yacht whose authentic character feels both welcoming and eminently usable.

Underway, her substantial draft and robust construction translate into steady tracking and bluewater poise, delivering the calm, planted ride that defines great long-range motor yachts. Lying in the United States and ready for private inspection, she presents a rare opportunity for a discerning yachtsman to steward a distinguished aluminum cruiser with genuine pedigree. For those who appreciate classic lines, dependable CAT power, and the enduring allure of a purposeful build, this is the vintage motor yacht that rewards every close look—and is, quite truly, a must-see.

Electronics

A comprehensive suite of navigation and communications technology includes Garmin GPS, a Furuno 72-mile radar, depth sounders by Garmin and Furuno, Furuno AIS, two ICOM VHF radios, a Furuno fish finder, a Simrad autopilot, a Simrad rudder-angle indicator, Interphase forward-scan sonar, and two Carlisle & Finch Co. searchlights.

Inside equipment

Climate comfort and quiet efficiency are assured by a Technicold two-unit chilled-water air-conditioning system, while provisions stay fresh in an LG refrigerator. Confident maneuvering comes from a Side Power proportional hydraulic bow thruster, and the ride remains composed thanks to NAIAD 254 Multi-Sea II stabilizers. Safety and serviceability are built in with four Rule 2,500 bilge pumps, Insta-Trim trim tabs, and Headhunter water jet flush heads, complemented by Shelco Micro Guardian in-line filtration for the fresh water system and an Offshore Marine watermaker, currently pickled. Entertainment rises at the touch of a button with two 42-inch Samsung LED televisions housed in mechanical raising frames, concealed within cabinetry in the upper saloon and lower saloon. Technical readiness is further elevated by an air compressor, an Alpha Laval fuel polisher, and fuel transfer pumps for 110 VAC and 24 VDC operation, along with two hydraulic emergency pumps. Maintenance is streamlined by an electric oil-change pump serving the main engine lube oil and transmission gear oil, and daily living is simplified with a clothes washer and dryer.

Outside equipment

On deck, a vertical 24 V DC windlass stands ready to deploy robust ground tackle comprising a plow anchor with roll bar, 150-foot chain and 150-foot three-strand rode, complemented by a new bridle. Four heavy-duty inflatable fenders, approximately four feet long by two feet in diameter, safeguard the hull alongside. Safety is enhanced by an ACR EPIRB and a Viking RescYou eight-person coastal liferaft. A one-thousand-pound davit and a folding radar mast add serious capability, while two bow deck boxes provide practical stowage. Daily life aboard benefits from a well-appointed cockpit, a broad swim platform, and MarQuipt Tide-Rider stairs with brackets located amidships.

Engines

Power comes from two 2007 CAT C-15 inboard, direct-drive engines showing 3,500 hours, each rated at 850 horsepower and turning five-blade bronze propellers through TwinDisc transmissions. The installation features wet exhaust with bypass and Racor primary filtration with two filters per engine, promoting dependable fuel delivery and smooth, efficient performance.

Tank capacities

All tanks are constructed in aluminum for durability and weight efficiency, with fuel capacity of 1,400 gallons distributed across four tanks, complemented by 160 gallons of fresh water and 150 gallons of waste capacity.

Key features

A truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of American maritime history, the stunning classic motor yacht Summer Song was launched by the prestigious Derecktor shipyard in New York in 1969 and today embodies timeless elegance, seamlessly blending classic design with modern performance. A comprehensive, multi-million-dollar refit in 2007 introduced an extension and repower, and these major works have been thoughtfully complemented by continuous upgrades under meticulous current ownership since 2017. Enjoy comfortable, efficient cruising with a top speed of nineteen knots as she presently navigates the Chesapeake Bay, while recent 2024 and 2025 enhancements underscore her readiness for immediate adventures and confirm her prime condition.

In 2024, she received a new starboard generator, a Viking eight-person life raft, a new ACR EPIRB, a distress kit, a new salon air handler, and a Head Hunter tank monitoring system. In 2025, she benefited from fresh bottom paint, new anodes, PropSpeed applied to the running gear, new shaft seals, new stabilizer seals, a new bilge pump, engine alignment, and new main engine start batteries.

Description

SUMMER SONG was built at the Derecktor yard in New York under the supervision of Mr. Robert Derecktor, delivering a ride that is quiet, fast, and exceptionally comfortable. In 2007 she underwent a comprehensive stem-to-stern refit at a leading Florida yard at a cost of over $4 million, and all records relating to this are on board. She is equipped with numerous redundant systems to ensure uninterrupted enjoyment and is presently cruising the Chesapeake Bay, with winters spent in the Carolinas.

During the refit, most major systems were renewed, including the main engines, two gensets, the electronics suite—featuring Garmin GPS 5212 and 5208 units added in 2015—the fuel manifold, wiring, the air conditioning system, interior decking and carpet, the galley with a new range and refrigerator, and the hot water tanks.

Under current ownership, notable works include all exterior paint completed in 2017; in 2023 the cutlass bearings were replaced and the shafts and props were removed, balanced, and reinstalled. In 2024 a comprehensive round of upgrades and renewals was carried out: the STBD genset was replaced with a new unit at a cost of $25,000; a new eight-person liferaft and a new ACR EPIRB were added; the lower saloon roof was repainted with Awlgrip; bottom paint and anodes were applied; the salon air handler was replaced; Headhunter 110 VAC and 24 VDC water pumps were installed; a new galley hood was fitted; new Headhunter Tank Sentry units were added; the fuel transfer pump was renewed; the STBD trim tab pump and tank were replaced; the STBD hot water tank heating element was renewed; the lazarette bilge pump float switch was replaced; the tender battery was renewed; and an anchor bridle was added.

Accommodations

There are three convenient access points aboard the vessel—midship to port and starboard, or aft via the cockpit. Step inside to the inviting upper salon and the well-appointed, highly functional pilothouse. To starboard of the helm and down a few steps lies the opulent lower salon, with a couch and chairs to starboard and a single chair to port. Moving forward, the portside dinette pairs seamlessly with the starboard galley. Farther forward, additional guest or crew quarters feature over-and-under berths and an ensuite head with stand-up shower and a hanging closet, complemented by multiple storage drawers for clothing and extra bedding. Aft of the lower salon, a twin guest cabin to port offers a hanging closet and eight drawers beneath the berths, while to starboard across the companionway the guest/day head includes a stand-up shower. Continuing aft, the master stateroom is appointed with a queen centerline berth, his and hers hanging closets, and numerous dresser drawers around the perimeter and beneath the berth, along with an ensuite head with shower. The Engine Room is easily accessed from aft of the galley by descending three steps, where all systems are well maintained and readily accessible.

Electrical

Power management is robust and yacht‑ready, anchored by two 21 kW ONAN generators with Kubota engines showing 2,500 hours on the port unit and 12 hours on the starboard. The system delivers 110V AC along with 24V and 12V services, while shore power can be taken as 100A or as two 50A feeds, aided by a two‑50A‑to‑one‑100A splitter box for maximum flexibility. Charging is handled by Sentry 12V and 24V battery chargers, and the battery suite is intelligently arranged with two 8‑D house batteries, two 8‑D main engine starting batteries, two Group 27 batteries dedicated to electronics, and two Group 27 batteries for generator starting.