PROUD LADY - RYBOVICH FOR SALE

1957 44' Classic Wooden Motor Yacht

An authentic piece of American yachting heritage, this 44-foot wooden motor yacht blends timeless craftsmanship with the quiet confidence of twin inboard Cummins diesels. Hand-built in 1957 and lying in the United States, she embodies the elegance of a bygone era—sweeping sheer, warm timber decks, and the graceful profile that turns heads at every harbor and classic rendezvous.

Her broad 13-foot beam provides a generous, well-balanced platform underway and remarkable comfort at anchor. The deep, nearly 10-foot draft (9.843') hints at a full-bodied, seakindly hull that tracks with authority—ideal for those who value a soft ride and predictable handling. All-wood construction, from hull to deck, showcases the enduring charm and tactile beauty of fine joinery, inviting slow evenings on deck and lingering mornings in a salon bathed in natural light.

Power comes from dependable twin Cummins inboard diesels, delivering the kind of smooth, economical passage-making that makes coastal cruising effortless. With 360 gallons of fuel on board, she offers impressive range for extended weekend escapes or relaxed coastal passages. A 70-gallon freshwater capacity supports easy living afloat, whether you’re hosting dockside or slipping away for a quiet anchorage.

Inside, the ambiance is pure classic yacht: rich, varnished woodwork, thoughtful built-ins, and a purposeful helm with commanding sightlines. The beam creates generous volumes for a welcoming salon, a practical galley, and cozy accommodations—spaces that invite conversation, a well-set table, and unhurried time with the people who matter. On deck, the warmth of natural wood and clean, confident lines set the stage for sunset cocktails, tender launches, and dignified arrivals.

For the collector, the connoisseur of wooden yachts, or the cruising couple seeking character without compromise, this 1957 classic offers a rare blend of authenticity, capability, and soul. She is as ready for a wooden-boat festival as she is for a serene coastal adventure—an heirloom motor yacht that rewards careful stewardship with unforgettable journeys.

Classic Yacht • Motor Yacht • Wooden Yacht • Vintage Cruiser • Gentleman’s Yacht • Heritage Yacht • Liveaboard Cruiser

Important upgrade

In 1996, the hull sides were taken back to bare wood and the side rails removed before the entire expanse down to the chine rail was sheathed in two layers of fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin—one layer of 17 ounce bi‑ax cloth and one layer of 8 ounce mat—using Epon Epoxy resin thickened with Cab‑o‑sil (colloidal silica) for added strength. The side rails were then replaced, the hull faired, and the finish renewed with Awlcraft 2000 paint.

Salon

The salon is a study in satin‑finished varnished mahogany accented by bright varnished moldings. To port, an L‑shaped sofa with white leather cushions converts to a berth for one and conceals storage beneath on both sides. A custom varnished Rybovich mahogany high‑low table anchors the space, complemented by a custom varnished mahogany liquor and beverage cabinet and a varnished mahogany TV and stereo cabinet. Climate control is assured by a Cruisair reverse‑cycle air conditioner. Overhead, a leatherette headliner with LED lighting pairs with custom Altenkirch chrome‑on‑brass rod holders, while varnished mahogany curtain valances to both sides and aft conceal atmospheric indirect LED lighting. Removable carpet panels span the engine room access hatches, twin sliding entrance doors aft open to the cockpit, and a built‑in flush electric circuit breaker panel locker houses the main AC and DC circuit breakers.

Galley-starboard/midship

Off the companionway to starboard amidships, the eleven‑foot galley presents custom cabinetry with varnished teak trim, eight storage drawers and four storage lockers. Cooking and cleanup are handled by a Princess electric three‑burner stove with oven, a stainless steel sink, and a cabinet with electric refrigerator/freezer, complemented by a Magic Chef microwave with a drawer below and two overhead lights.

Master stateroom-port

To port, the master stateroom features upper and lower crossover berths served by overhead lighting, with a dedicated reading lamp at the upper berth. Storage is generous, with six drawers beneath the upper berth, one large drawer below the lower berth, and a hanging locker. Natural light and airflow arrive via two port lights and a foredeck access hatch. Varnished mahogany drawers and moldings and a carpeted floor complete the space.

Head

Accessible from both the master stateroom and the companionway, the head is fitted with a custom varnished mahogany cabinet and a cultured marble shell‑design sink with a storage locker beneath, plus a mirrored storage locker trimmed in varnished mahogany. Appointments include two chrome towel racks, a 12 volt Raritan Elegance vacuum freshwater head, an overhead light, an enclosed stall shower, and a port light.

Forward stateroom

Entered from the companionway with forepeak access, the forward stateroom offers high‑level V‑berths, four storage lockers and one hanging locker under the berths, reading lamps, two port lights, and a foredeck access hatch with screen over a carpeted floor.

Bridge

The bridge centers on a varnished teak control console with a dedicated VHF radio cabinet, a Ritchie compass, and a complete suite of gauges. Command comes via powder‑coated Rybovich single‑lever control arms and a powder‑coated Rybovich steering wheel, paired with a Panish single‑lever engine control system installed in 2007. Built‑in U‑shaped seating wraps the front and sides with storage beneath, framed by varnished Rybovich signature teak double handrails. Forward sits an electronics cabinet, while the helm is served by an anodized aluminum and white leatherette swivel captain’s chair and protected by an anodized aluminum aft safety rail. A hatch cover serves the cockpit access hatch, and shade is provided by a stainless steel bimini frame with a double‑sided vinyl top.

Electronics

The electronics suite includes a Data Marine 2650 depthsounder, a Garmin GPS 3010C plotter, a compass, and an Icom IC‑M59 VHF.

Cockpit

In 2003, Marine Carpenters in Florida installed a teak sole and covering boards, setting the tone for a purposeful cockpit outfitted with four chrome Rupp rod holders and two chrome hawse pipes, with chrome fuel fills to starboard and port. Fishing features abound, including two live bait wells, a transom tuna door, a Rybovich fighting chair, and a lower control station with a varnished teak console tied to a Panish single‑lever engine control system installed in 2007. Practical touches include an access hatch to the lazarette, a Rybovich teak and stainless steel bridge ladder with chrome‑on‑bronze step brackets, a custom teak boarding step ladder, two 120V AC 30A Hubbell shore power inlets on starboard, a cable TV inlet, and a fresh‑water faucet.

Equipment

Purposeful equipment underscores capability: Rupp Quick Drop back 28' outriggers and a Rybovich fighting chair, a hot and cold pressurized water system and an Ariston 4 gallon water heater, a Halon fire extinguisher system for the engine room backed by four Kidde fire extinguishers and eight lifejackets, and a high water bilge alarm. Ground tackle comprises a Danforth anchor, 200' of 5/8 nylon rope and 5' of chain. Bilge management is handled by five Rule auto bilge pumps and a shower water pump‑out. Convenience details include a TV cabinet in the salon, a carbon monoxide alarm, a canvas bridge cover, salon overhead rod holders, a canvas cockpit cover, Rupp quick release antennas, and two 30 Amp shore power cords. Climate control is by Cruisair reverse cycle air conditioning.

Electrical equipment

Systems include a shore power inlet, an Onan 4.0kW generator, and a Pro Mariner 1220 battery charger to keep onboard power stable at anchor or alongside.

Engines/mechanical

Power comes from twin Cummins Diesel VT‑555‑M Big Cam V8 turbo‑charged 320 H.P. engines showing 750 original hours; both engines and the entire engine room were sprayed with Awlgrip before installation. At 23 knots and 2550 rpm, fuel consumption is 22 gal/h. The driveline specifies Twin Disc 506 transmissions with 2.00: 1 reduction, Aquamet 22 stainless steel 1 1/2" shafts, and bronze struts on the main with one intermediate each side. Each engine is supported by two 12V batteries wired in parallel and housed in custom, Awlcraft‑painted fiberglass battery boxes, with charging via a Pro mariner 1220. Electrical management includes battery parallel switches and battery shut‑off switches in the engine room. Practical safeguards comprise emergency pump‑out valves on the engine water intakes allowing the engines to pump out flood, oil pressure alarms, engine priming pumps, a bilge high water alarm, and filtration through two Raycor 900MA fuel filters.

Construction

The hull is carvel planked in 3/4" Philippine Mahogany, Resorcinol glued and fastened over 1 1/4" x 5" oak main frames on 18" centers, with 1 1/2" x 1" steam‑bent intermediate frames on alternating 18" centers. Monel fasteners were used throughout. The bottom is double planked with 3/8" marine plywood and 3/4" Philippine Mahogany, Resorcinol glued and fastened with solid Honduras Mahogany. The bridge, bridge deck, and foredeck are fiberglass cloth and resin over marine plywood. When built, the bottom was fiberglass cloth and resin covered over the planks to the boot top; in 1985 the bottom paint was removed, the fiberglass cloth was recoated with epoxy resin, and the bottom was repainted.

Broker's remarks

Classic Rybovich—same owner for 45 years! A pedigreed sportfisherman cherished in single ownership, showcasing thoughtful upgrades, enduring craftsmanship, and diligent care throughout.