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Matthews 53ft 1969 Floating home - $15,000 (san rafael)
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Iconic 1969 Matthews 53ft Wooden Motor Yacht - Stunning Liveaboard/Floating Home - $15,000 OBO (priced for quick sale by Nov 15 estimated actual value $40k)
Beautiful classic wooden boat, solidly built as the best of her era—ideal as a spacious liveaboard or restoration project. In San Rafael, CA; needs relocation soon.
Twin Detroit 8V71 V8 engines (ran 14 years ago; est. $4–5k value each, Coast Guard-spec). No flying bridge, but extended roof over aft deck for amazing views (tallest in the marina!). Wraparound windows flood the interior with light; prior owner invested $100k in custom cabinetry (figured maple/mahogany walls, madrone floors, large wooden tub). Aft cabin/bath still original paint-over-mahogany.
We've loved raising our family here—hope she finds someone to cherish her!
Honest condition:
Deferred maintenance includes leaks (pilot house, aft cabin, window sills), soft spots/rot above waterline (hatch, front benches, aft portholes, bathroom area).
Teak aft deck needs sanding/varnishing; rub rails oiled; missing one rub rail gate section. Kitchen sink functional but not fully sealed; 7-gal hot water heater; old bus diesel heater needs ~$1k part if you want to leave the dock Electrical stripped (we used extension cords/shore power ); lights worked originally.
Electric stovetop (unplugged) and old microwave functional but dated.
Floors buckled in a couple edge spots from water/weight; minor woodwork touches (cupboard faces/hinges).
Hasn't been hauled/painted in 14 years—will need for full use.
Wonderful foldable boarding stairs included.
As-is, cash sale. Perfect for liveaboard or rebuilding the bridge for cruising.
Insurance may require survey, we got her insured for less as a non liveaboard (~$2.5k/year).
Serious inquiries only—text/email for more pics/details/viewing.
We open to offers and would love for her to go to someone who can bring her back into her glory.