1950 Monk Double Cabin Cruiser - MONK

1950 Monk Double Cabin Cruiser
Estralita: An Enduring Classic Yacht Overview

Transferable Liveaboard Slip
Not many classic or vintage yachts merit the investment for complete restoration, but "Estralita" (her original name) certainly does. Crafted as a unique “one-off” and designed for blue water cruising and living aboard in 1950 at Gig Harbor, Washington by the esteemed yacht designer Ed Monk Senior, Estralita has been lovingly maintained and restored without compromise. She stands as a “super yacht” from the golden era of Northwest yachting.

Design and Construction
Estralita was conceived and built for Ed Monk’s close friend and aviation companion, Art Glein. Together, they established a boat house and yard (Glein Boatworks) specifically for her construction in Gig Harbor. This collaboration harnessed Monk’s exceptional design talent, resulting in a stunning piece of nautical artistry and a prime example of Northwest maritime heritage at the pinnacle of wooden shipbuilding craftsmanship. Monk’s “heavy construction” method features double ribbing/beam construction from white oak, double hull thickness in yellow cedar, teak decking and interior, along with ironwood rails. Her reverse raked elliptical design, showcasing the only canoe transom in Monk Senior’s extensive design portfolio, is highlighted by her deep draft, tall windows, elegant mid-century lines, and rounded stern deck. Unlike typical “lake yachts” with shallow drafts, she is constructed more like a small ship, boasting a 6’8” draft designed for blue water adventures.

Location
Estralita is currently docked at a covered liveaboard slip on Seattle's Lake Union, conveniently located near all that Seattle has to offer, including a short walk to the Burke Gilman Trail, restaurants, cafes, Amazon, and downtown. The University of Washington campus is also within walking distance, and the slip is fully transferable. This south-facing slip enjoys abundant sunlight and offers a lovely view. Additionally, it comes with a comprehensive maintenance contract for those who prefer to have someone else manage the brightwork.

Accommodation
Estralita is a double cabin cruiser featuring two forward queen-sized staterooms, plus a salon pullout futon, accommodating up to seven guests with dining space for ten. The full-sized galley is equipped with the original cast iron stove, handcrafted tile, and stainless steel refrigerator. The original full-sized head includes a cast iron porcelain tub, sink, and European composting toilet, along with a forward quarter head. Tall windows throughout feature original glass, complemented by new upholstery, generous built-in teak storage, and cedar-lined hanging lockers. The helm boasts 90” headroom, while the galley, head, salon, and staterooms offer 75” headroom. The yacht has been upgraded with new electrical systems, LED lighting, new plumbing, an integrated BOSE sound system, flatscreen TVs, and wireless navigation. All original elements have been restored, showcasing classic teak, mahogany, white oak, cedar, sole, and bronze throughout.

Restoration and Upgrades
Over a decade-long restoration, Estralita has seen all interiors restored, services upgraded, hull refastened, and several planks replaced above the waterline. The starboard ironwood rub rail has been replaced, and all work has been executed to a professional standard using traditional methods and materials. The original planked teak decks remain, with the only addition being Irish felt canvas with a rubberized waterproofing coating on the cabin. She is in pristine original and restored condition, a true masterpiece. Most of her original interior and exterior hardware, fixtures, and engine have been preserved, with minimal alterations to her layout.

Layout:
Most Forward: Chain locker leading into the forepeak stateroom with a port stacked berth and central queen berth, across from a settee with storage beneath.
Forward: Quarter head (now converted to storage) to starboard, master berth to port with storage underneath, built-in drawers, bookshelves, and a large hanging locker to starboard.
Main Cabin: Steering station to port forward, companion settee that converts to a fold-out futon to starboard, with sliding doors leading to the deck.
Dinette: “C” shaped dinette to port with a fold-out tabletop, seating up to ten.
Galley: “U” shaped galley to port with a built-in chest of drawers, entertainment hutch, and head compartment to starboard.
Aft Deck: Spacious and inviting, with steps leading up from the centerline.

Specifications:
Length: 47’ LOA
Beam: 12’9”
Draft: 6’8”
Net Weight: 19T
Gross Weight: 27T
Fuel Capacity: 450 gallons
Fresh Water Capacity: 150 gallons
Engine: Single Detroit 671 diesel
Generator: Koehler 3.5k
Inverter/Battery Maintenance: Outback 3.5k
Solar System: 800 Watt 60 Amp
Navigation: Wireless with GPS, AIS, VHF, Furuno Radar
Dinghy: Whitehall sailing dinghy

Features:
Electrical and Plumbing: All replaced and upgraded, LED throughout, 30 amp main 120V service, 32V DC house, 12V accessories, 12 Trojan 8V batteries.
Heating: Webasto hydronic diesel heater, electric forced air heat.
Entertainment: Integrated BOSE sound system, 43” and 32” Samsung smart TVs, high-speed internet at the slip.
Galley: Original cast iron stove, stainless surround, original tile, convection/air fry/microwave countertop combo.
Bathroom: Full-sized cast iron tub, porcelain sink, original tile, European composting toilet.

Estralita is a federally documented vessel with all paperwork dating back to the original build invoices, manuals, and repair invoices, compiled in a convenient and historically significant set of binders. If you are in search of a “special” yacht that commands respect and admiration, built to endure for generations, Estralita may be the perfect choice for you. It is arguably one of the most enchanting classic yachts available anywhere in the world.