Asking Price
$250,000 USD
MakeRhodes
ModelCutter
Year1938
Length11.58m3m beam
FuelUnleaded
Cabins1
Overview
About this vessel
The 1938 cutter NIKE is a classic American wooden sailing yacht designed by the renowned naval architect Philip L. Rhodes. Built just before World War II, NIKE represents the elegant transition period between traditional gaff-rigged yachts and the more modern Marconi-rigged offshore cruisers that dominated the mid-20th century.
NIKE has been owned by an award winning sailor in San Francisco Bay since his purchase of the boat in 1967. The boat has been maintained and updated several times during his ownership. Most recently, it has had the mast rebuilt and the standing rigging replaced by Richardson Bay Boatworks in Sausalito in 2025.
This boat is offered for sale along with its 60' Slip in the San Francisco Marina, subject to the rules and regulations of the SF Parks and Recreation Department. The slip is on the Head Dock in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Specifications
The details
Vessel
MakeRhodes
ModelCutter
Year1938
Dimensions
Length overall11.58m
Beam3m
Draft1.58m
Accommodation
Cabins1
Engine & Fuel
Engine makeGraymarine
Engine model4 Cylinder Y112
Engine count1
Fuel typeUnleaded
Features
On board
Classic American wooden sailing yacht
Designed by Philip L. Rhodes
Built just before World War II
Represents transition between traditional gaff-rigged and modern Marconi-rigged offshore cruisers
Owned by award winning sailor in San Francisco Bay since 1967
Maintained and updated several times during ownership
Mast rebuilt and standing rigging replaced by Richardson Bay Boatworks in Sausalito in 2025
Offered for sale with 60' Slip in San Francisco Marina
Slip located on Head Dock in front of St. Francis Yacht Club
Category: Sail
Class: Racers and Cruisers
Keel: Full Keel
Designer: Philip Rhodes
Builder: Morse Boat Works
Length: 38ft
Name: NIKE
Hull Material: Wood
Engine: 1 Graymarine 4 Cylinder Y112, 31hp, unleaded fuel, 3 Blade Bronze propeller
Cabins: 1
Premier SF Marina West Basin Slip in front of St Francis Yacht Club on the Marina
Slip transfer subject to rules and regulations of SF Parks and Recreation Department
Philip Rhodes was one of the most influential yacht designers of the 20th century
NIKE conceived as serious offshore cruising cutter capable of long passages with graceful pre-war lines
Strong, seaworthy hull suitable for offshore passages
Balanced cutter rig for versatility in heavy weather
Elegant overhangs and traditional sheer line
Moderate displacement for comfort at sea
Rhodes cutters described as "seakindly", moving comfortably through waves
Specifications approximate: Year 1938, Type offshore cruising cutter, Construction carvel-planked wood on steam-bent frames, Length Overall ~45 ft including bowsprit, Length on Deck ~28 ft, Beam ~9' 10", Draft ~5' 2", Displacement ~24,000 lbs
Long overhangs giving classic pre-war proportions
Hull and Construction by Morse Boat Works in Thomaston, ME using traditional 1930s yacht-building techniques
Carvel planking, Mahogany planking, Oak frames, Lead ballast keel, Bronze fastenings and fittings
Built to extremely high craftsmanship standards by East Coast boatyards
Rig Configuration: Cutter-rigged yacht carrying mainsail, Yankee or genoa, inner staysail, often storm staysail for heavy weather
Advantages of cutter rig: heavy weather versatility, smaller sails easier to manage in strong wind, balanced sail plan with multiple headsails distributing power efficiently, ocean passagemaking capability with many sail combinations for changing conditions
Especially well suited to windy regions like San Francisco Bay
Sailing Characteristics: exceptional balance, steer easily and track well even in large seas, strong upwind ability, heavy-weather capability, comfortable motion moving smoothly through waves rather than slamming
Owners describe them as confidence-inspiring offshore yachts
Historical Significance: notable era in American yacht design, designed during golden age of wooden yacht design, reflects work of one of America's greatest naval architects, combines traditional aesthetics with modern performance for the time
Rhodes also designed famous boats including Stormy Weather (Bermuda Race winner), Carina, numerous classic cruising cutters and yawls
These boats helped define American offshore sailing in mid-20th century
Why NIKE is special today: timeless pre-war yacht design, true offshore capability, extraordinary craftsmanship, collector-level classic yacht status
NIKE is a serious ocean-going classic cutter - beautiful, strong, and designed by one of the greatest yacht architects in American history
Restoration articles note NIKE was built in Maine in 1937-1938, owner undertook extensive structural restoration including major frame replacement, boat had 90 percent new frames after rebuild, essentially rebuilt around original hull shape
NIKE won "Best of Show" in 2001 after rebuild and People's Choice Award later, with mirror finish on brightwork admired by professional varnishers
