Historic Defoe Commuter Yacht Yacht for Sale

SCOUT, Defoe Contract #140, was designed by Walter McInnis of the firm Eldridge McInnis and built by the Defoe Boat & Motor Works in Bay City Michigan. The yacht was commissioned by RE Klages and was originally named CORMAR. Later names include HI-BALL III (1933), OLYMPIC SCOUT (1955), and finally SCOUT (2000). 

She has had a fortunate past with excellent owners/custodians who have kept her in top form, most recently she has benefitted from a significant refit / rebuild by the experts at McMillen Yachts between 2000 and 2001 which saw the majority of the bottom re-planked and about 70% of the hull replaced. Then again in 2018 and 2019, another significant refit more focused on mechanicals was undertaken by Lyman Morse in Camden, Maine which saw the installation of a totally new engine room, new electronics, and the refastening of the hull. 

In short, SCOUT needs nothing except for normal yearly maintenance and those inspecting her will find her in excellent mechanical, structural, and cosmetic condition with fully updated systems and ready to go.

These photos while representative, are approximately 5 years old. Profile photo courtesy of Onne van der Wal. A new photoshoot is scheduled for 2023.

SCOUT is classic 1930’s through and through on the interior with modern touches hidden and out of view as much as possible.  Brightwork contrasted by with white paneling are throughout as is light colored carpet on the sole.  The heads feature classic cork flooring, as does the galley and crew quarters.

While a Commuter yacht was generally considered a day boat, SCOUT does posses comforts to allow for cruising.  She will sleep 4 to 5 guests in her two guest staterooms, and another 2 in her Saloon on the convertible settee if desired.  Crew accommodations are separate up in the bow and allow for 2 to sleep comfortably.

Located forward with port and starboard side deck access doors.  Very bright and airy with roll down windows.

• (6) Wall sconces
• (6) Roll down windows
• Louvered blinds
• Carpeted sole
• Generously sized storage banquet forward
• Settee aft which can pull out to for another berth if needed
• Numerous storage lockers
• Ships clock and barometer
• Port and Starboard sliding side deck doors

Located forward of the saloon and accessed via a curved stairway with a separation door.  It is well-ventilated, has good natural light, and has been updated with modern appliances however is still in keeping with the rest of the vessel.

• Stainless Fisher Paykel Stove/Oven with vented hood
• Bosh dishwasher
• Cold plate ice box/freezer
• U-line drawer refrigerators
• Microwave
• Coffee maker
• Wood and Stainless countertops
• Cork sole
• Generous storage for foodstuffs
• U-line icemaker (on deck)
• Sea Frost cold plate drink refrigerator (on deck)

Located midships with direct access to the saloon forward, or the guest cabin aft.

• Twin-size berth to port
• Slightly smaller than twin size berth to Starboard
• (2) Built-in chests of drawers which also serve as bedside tables
• Full-length mirror on head door
• Louvered blinds
• Wall sconce on forward bulkhead
• 12v overhead lighting
• Carpeted sole

• Raritan freshwater flush head
• Full bathtub with shower
• Porcelain sink
• Mirrored vanity
• Cork sole
• Louvered blinds

Located aft with direct access to the stern cockpit via a private companionway.

• Twin-size berth to port
• Full-size berth to starboard
• Companionway to stern cockpit
• Screens for companionway doors
• Hanging locker and chest of drawers
• Generous under berth drawer storage
• Louvered blinds
• (2) Wall sconces on aft bulkhead
• 12v overhead lighting
• Carpeted sole

• Raritan freshwater flush head
• Stall shower
• Porcelain sink
• Mirrored vanity
• Cork sole
• Louvered blinds

Located in the bow with access deck access forward of the saloon or through the Galley

• Over under twin bunks to port
• Settee to starboard
• (3) Reading lamps
• 12v and 110v overhead lighting
• Cork cabin sole
• 2 x Hanging lockers
• Generous under-bunk storage

• Raritan freshwater flush head
• Shower
• Small sink and vanity
• 2 x opening ports
• 12v overhead lighting

A three-quarter wrap-around pilothouse is perched above the saloon and provides excellent visibility in all directions.  Controls and electronics are installed to try and blend in with the classic look of the vessel and not draw a guest’s attention to it.  Immediately aft of the standing helm is an athwartships bench seat with all-weather upholstery, an ideal place for guests to converse with the captain while underway.  Further aft, are two fore and aft running settees accompanied close by a hidden cold plate drink cooler and ice maker.  The entire area is covered by a bronze and wood frame canvas top providing shelter from the sun and the occasional sprinkle.

• Raymarine Hybrid Touch radar/chart plotter
• Simrad AP24 Autopilot
• Icom M-506 VHF with RAM Mic
• (2) Kolbelt throttle controls
• Sidepower bow thruster control
• (3) Electric windshield wipers
• Overhead roof-mounted manual spotlight
• 8-Spoke ships wheel
• Dual trumpet air horns
• Ships bell
• Kevin White compass

On the foredeck, one finds a recessed bow cockpit or “rumble seat” which provides one of the most unique underway experiences on the water and a hallmark of many early-period Commuter Yachts.  A large expansive deck follows with port and starboard deck boxes complete with upholstered cushions.  Another bench seat is just forward of the saloon.  Access aft is by either the port or starboard full walkaround side decks leading all the way aft past dual Saloon entrances and doors to the pilothouse to the fully enclosed (with drop-down curtains) cockpit with built-in settee.

• Double planked hull, mahogany over cedar
• Oak stem and frames
• Hull refastened (2018)
• Purple Heart engine beds (2018)
• Transom double-planked mahogany
• Caulked and laid teak deck
• Cast bronze deck hardware
• Hydraulic Anchor windlass with Danforth style anchor, chain and 3-strand rode
• Anchor washdown spigot in the forepeak
• Spare Fortress storm anchor with rode
• (3) Life rings
• Side boarding stairs
• Swim ladder
• Hinged spruce mast

• 2 x Caterpillar C7.1 500hp Diesel engines, 2018 (345hrs as of 11/2022)
• 2 x ZF 2:1 transmissions/reduction gears (2018)
• Soundown exhaust system (2018)
• Kohler 17kw Generator, 2002 (4928hrs 11/2022)
• Naiad Hydraulic Stabilizers were completely rebuilt and renewed (2018)
• Cruisair Air Conditioning throughout with reverse cycle heat
• 2 x Seward stainless 20gal hot water heaters
• 2 x 50Amp shore power inlets
• 12v intake and exhaust engine room ventilation fans (2018)
• Dual Racor fuel filters for both mains and generator (2018)
• Sidepower bow thruster
• Xantrex Freedom 3000W Inverter/Charger (2010)
• Charles Marine C-charger 20 AMP
• Automatic haylon fire extinguishing system
• Numerous individual handheld fire extinguishers throughout the yacht
• Chain and cable steering system connected to centerline single rudder

This Defoe-built, McInnis-designed, Pre-War classic has the unmistakable proportions, features, and desired pedigree of the great American Commuter yachts. An exceptional offering, SCOUT has always had the best of care from her relatively few fortunate owners. After 18 years, under current ownership, her next custodian will inherit a vessel in truly beautiful shape. SCOUT is incredibly rare and very well recommended by her broker.

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