1959 35' Custom Geerd Hendel Raised-Deck Cutter

Boat Description

Introducing Janet A, a 1959 Geerd Hendel 35' Mahogany on Oak with Teak Raised-Deck Cutter. This classic vessel, originally Lady Joan, was built by the Morse Boatbuilding Co. of Thomaston, Maine, and even featured in WoodenBoat Magazine's November/December 2023 issue in the Save a Classic column.

Today, Janet A is the culmination of years of meticulous restoration, making her strong, seaworthy, and poised for her final preparations before launching. She is ideally suited for long-distance cruising, coastal sailing, or turning heads as a striking daysailer.Her design by the esteemed 20th-century yacht designer, Geerd Hendel, combined with robust scantlings, heavy displacement, and a full keel, ensures safe sailing capabilities. The raised-deck design provides a remarkably spacious interior for a boat of her size, boasting generous headroom, sleeping accommodations for up to four, a well-appointed galley, an enclosed head, and ample storage.Whether your dream is to explore the New England coast, navigate the islands of the Bahamas, or showcase a true classic at a wooden boat festival, Janet A can make it a reality.Interior LayoutThe interior joinery has been renewed with care, preserving the warmth of traditional wood finishes.Forward cabin with comfortable v-berthEnclosed head to port with a hanging locker to starboardMain salon with port and starboard settee berthsNavigation station to starboard, adjacent to companionwayGalley to port with gimbaled range, ice chest, and storageAbundant cabinetry and lockers for provisions and gearRestorationWhen Janet A arrived in Ipswich, MA in 2002, she was in need of a complete rebuild. Over the course of her restoration, that later continued in Savannah, GA, every major structural component was addressed:2002–2008 – Green’s Point Boatyard, Ipswich, MADropped and refastened ballast keelReplaced/reinforced stringer and shelf beamsRenewed deck beams as neededReplaced or sistered multiple framesRefastened entire hull with larger silicon-bronze screwsReplaced topside planking and hood ends where requiredInstalled new butt platesInstalled operable bronze portholes in place of original fixed lightsInstalled redesigned butterfly skylight Replaced stemReplaced king plank, rebuilt foredeckRepaired/reinstalled bowsprit and covering boardsRebuilt chainplates with 2(2x1/4”) sandwiched bronzeApplied red lead to all new wood and hull interiorInstalled new rudder with bronze hardware and extended shaftInstalled Dickinson fireplace heaterRebuilt companionway bulkhead, hatch, and chain lockerInstalled 144V DC electric auxiliary motor and wired new 12V main panelInstalled bonding circuit, replaced fore and aft bulwarks2009 – Moved to Savannah, GAStored under cover; hull refinished (sides, top, bottom)2010 – 2014Installed galvanic isolatorInstalled holding tank and pump-out systemBuilt deck boxesInstalled shore power with port and starboard accessDiscovered rotted deadwood 2018 – Yacht Management of Savannah, GAReplaced rotted deadwood2019 – now – Major Structural UpgradesReplaced/spliced additional frames and rebuilt floors as neededInstalled new bronze floor boltsReplaced wooden keel (first time) with laminated white oak keelReplaced fore and aft deadwoodInstalled new galvanized iron keel boltsRemounted cast iron ballast keelReplaced garboards and lower plankingThoroughly prepped and refinished bottomInstalled new hanging kneesRewired and refinished mastRefinished bowspritRefastened, bunged teak deckExtended cockpit coamingRepaired stanchionRepainted interiorWork RemainingThe heavy lifting is done. To complete Janet A for sailing, the next owner will need to:Fully install galley (original gimbaled 3-burner stove included)Complete fresh water storage and distributionFinish waste plumbingComplete ceiling installationFinish 120VAC and 12VDC distribution from main panelsReinstall 144V DC battery bank Install sails, spars and rigging (all rigging, standing and running, as well as spare cordage, is in storage - plus many other spare parts are in storage such as most of the cast bronze fittings, wooden blocks etc.)The work has been done with the goal of preserving her authenticity while ensuring strength for decades to come. She is now structurally sound and ready for sea, with only minor finish work and rig setup left before launch.Hear it from the Experts“It is clear from the photos that you have done an enormous job in bringing Janet A back.” – James Curry, Marine Surveyor (Marine Surveyor since 1982, SAMS member since 1987, Major wood and fiberglass repair background since 1964), who surveyed the boat for the current owners in 2002 commented on her current condition.“I keep thinking that Janet A might be lucky enough to return to her midcoast Maine birthplace, which has become the center for building and caring for wooden boats.” – Maynard Bray, Wooden Boat technical editor.“She is beautiful and it looks like you have done some great work bringing her back to shape.”  –  Lance Buchanan, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, Thomaston ME.“Janet A certainly is a beautiful boat and it looks like you guys have done a good deal of work.” – Matt Graham, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, Thomaston ME“The Janet A looks like she has been well cared for and ready for the next phase, and eventually to splash again.” – Mike Fix, American Yacht Restoration, Mangonia Park, FLWhy is Janet A SpecialPedigree: Designed by Geerd Hendel, built by Morse—both names synonymous with quality.Proportions: Elegant sheer, and raised-deck lines that turn heads in any harbor.Strength: Heavy displacement, full keel, and robust scantlings make her a safe offshore cruiser.Comfort: Raised deck provides remarkable cabin volume and headroom for a yacht her length.Rarity: Few examples of Hendel’s raised-deck cutters survive—especially in such restored condition.Materials: Quality materials such as mahogany on oak interior, teak deck, silicon bronze fastened and refastened, refurbished cast iron keel refastened and hung on new laminated white oak wood keel with 1” galvanized steel. All fittings are cast bronze.SpecificationsDesigner: Geerd HendelBuilder: Morse Boatbuilding Co., Thomaston, ME – 1959Type: Raised-deck cutter, full keelLength Overall: 35’Length at Waterline: 28’Beam: 10’6”Draft: 6’Displacement: ~19,500 lbsSail Area: Approx. 600 sq ftElectric Engine: Solomon Industries, Year 2006, Model ST 37 ElectricTankage: 100 gal. water in two uninstalled bladders, and 12 gal. waste in a mostly installed plastic tankLocation: Savannah, Georgia

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Boat Specifications

• Length35'
• Year1959
• ModelGeerd Hendel Raised-Deck Cutter
• TypeSail
• NameJanet A
• Conditionused
• Beam10'
• Draft6'
• Hull MaterialWood
• Fuel TypeElectric
• Stock Number1117950