1931 Consolidated, 136' Motoryacht

Newport Yacht Builders proved the unique capability of its methods when a client asked us to assist in the refit of a 136' Consolidated Motor yacht on the west coast. NYB (including J. Thompson Marine Carpentry (JTMC) was tasked with the refit design, including all new crew spaces, modifications to all guest spaces, new deck furniture and new bridge interior and watch/captain's cabin.

This was an incredibly in-depth project with the highest attention to detail throughout. Working with original drawings, old photographs, measurements taken aboard and laser scans of the vessel, we were able to weave our new work seamlessly into the original fabric of the vessel, retaining the essence of this historic yacht while completely modernizing her functionally. We fabricated the galley and crew spaces at our facility in Newport, using full-scale mockups of the crew space structural envelope developed from laser scans of the hull, which were then pre-finished and shipped to San Diego for installation by our crew under the direction of project manager Kenn Takata. We also coordinated with various other sub-contractors, including French & Webb and Artisan Boatworks, providing design support, finishing and installation of their components.

During a previous refit, the aft deck had been enclosed with glass walls and a spiral staircase added. This area was restored in keeping with the original configuration (right), with rebuilt bulwarks, canvas sides, and period rattan furniture (left). We scanned the fantail and reintroduced the aft seat, which was masterfully built by Artisan Boatworks. We also added a passarelle gate and gallows on the starboard side.

Working from original drawings and old photos, we reconstructed the original plan for the boat deck, fidley and wheelhouse, which had been seriously altered during previous rebuilds. The stack and cowl vents, designed to match the originals and built of composite, integrate engine room ventilation, as well as shroud the satellite communications dome. A new mast was built to match the original, and the wheel house was brought back to its original length.

In the wheelhouse, which closely matches the original layout, the bridge settee and flag holders (at top) are new designs, built by French & Webb.

The captain’s cabin, also built by French & Webb, is adjacent to the bridge and utilizes space under the bridge settee to create a deep bureau.

Left, the smoking room has several unique features including a "secret" bar that can be completely hidden behind a wall panel on the left, a vestige of this yacht's Prohibition Era origins. To the right is original wall paneling and railing repurposed from a staircase to encircle a custom elevator for the owner to reach the cabin below.

Right, the original smoking room seen from the opposite side of the vessel with the bar hidden on the right and the staircase behind the railing on the left.

Left, the galley stair was custom-made by JTMC with joinery to match the original, and a recreated crew scullery outboard replaced what was left as a dead space in a previous refit.

Center and right: We closely matched the new galley to the original layout and joinery style, adding a new custom range hood, upper cabinets, stainless steel countertop and lower cabinetry. The door at right in the new galley opens into the glass-enclosed engine-room lobby.

Left, the crew mess now features full-function displays for vessel monitoring and a large multi-purpose monitor, integrated in the bulkhead. For crew utility and comfort, the original round table was replaced with a large square table with folding leaves, plus tufted leather settees.

Center, the design, joinery, and finish for the crew quarters are as luxurious as other areas on the vessel and at right, a detail of the crew joinery, which matches the original.

1931 Consolidated, 136' Motoryacht

Designer: John H Wells

Refit Project Manager: Jon Barrett Associates

Refit Designer: Ezra Smith Design

Newport Yacht Builders Project Manager: Kenn Takata

Project Location: Marine Group Boatworks, San Diego, CA