Summary
Nighthawk is a rare collaboration between two legends of American yachting — Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding and the esteemed design firm Sparkman & Stephens. The result is an exceptional custom yacht that blends timeless style with modern capability. From her elegant lines and warm interior joinery to her capable, performance-oriented hull, she exemplifies what happens when craftsmanship and design excellence converge.
Design & Performance
Built to exacting standards in Thomaston, Maine, Nighthawk is a true modern classic. Her Sparkman & Stephens hull form provides a smooth, confident ride with a top speed of over 20 knots, while her efficient cruising speed of 12 knots delivers extended range and comfort at sea. The robust construction and thoughtful systems integration reflect Lyman-Morse’s reputation for precision and durability.
Interior & Layout
Below, three staterooms provide generous accommodations for owners and crew alike. The interior showcases exquisite custom woodwork, a fully equipped galley, and a dedicated pilothouse that serves as the vessel’s command center — offering outstanding visibility and a welcoming social space for guests. Wide walkaround decks and a Portuguese bridge ensure safety and ease of movement on deck.
Features & Equipment
The flybridge is a highlight — expansive, comfortable, and equipped with a 1,200 lb. crane for the new center-console RIB tender powered by a 50HP Yamaha. Additional features include a watermaker, bow thruster, and extensive systems designed for long-range cruising or coastal exploration.
Asking $798,000
Specifications
- loa 55'3
- lwl 48'
- beam 16'
- draft 5'
- fuel capacity 1009 gallons
- water capacity 160 gallons
- designed by Sparkman & Stephens
- builder Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding
- model Custom Flybridge Motor Yacht
- year 1999
- location Boothbay, Maine
- boat engine Twin Catepillar 3196
- horsepower 660 x 2
- cruising speed 17 knots
- top speed 21 knots
Construction
Nighthawk was constructed using the SCRIMP infusion process. Lyman-Morse used vinylester resin with 3408 and 2408 fiberglass and Corecell throughout. The hull uses 1” A500 Corecell, while the bottom uses 1” A550. The deck is ¾” Corecell with 1808. Strategic areas on the bottom like the struts, stern tubes, engine intakes, rudders, etc. are solid laminate with extra layers. This is the same for the hull and deck. All bulkheads are also constructed using the SCRIMP process with vinylester resin and Corecell. Again, the same process and materials are used for the expansive cabin top.
Design
The owners’ goal with Nighthawk was to design an elegantly finished yacht, well planned, but in simple terms. She was to be used for cruising Maine and down into the Caribbean where she would be their winter home. Sparkman & Stephens drew it perfectly to their desires. Nighthawk gives the family all their home comforts while cruising at a smooth and safe 17 knots, powered by the yacht’s two CAT engines that are easily operated by the owners with no crew.
Interior
Her interior is classic satin varnished cherry with raised panels and Herreshoff style white bulkheads. The main salon has two beautiful and elegant custom designed Thos Moser chairs. Nighthawk sleeps five in two cabins with three heads.There is a large Owner ‘s cabin forward with an island queen berth, and a separate guest cabin with three singles. In the pilot house, the Nav settee table lowers into a double bunk. The day head services people sleeping int he pilot house. The galley is extremely functional, being up on the same level with the salon on the starboard side and having a huge Corian countertop, Force 10 four-burner propane stove forward, as well as microwave, fridge, freezer, and ice maker across. Additionally there is a dumbwaiter for the people on the flybridge.
Mechanical
- Two CAT 3196 with ZF IRM 350A Transmissions
- Northern Lights ML844 20kW Generator
- 12 Victron Energy AGM batteries
- Mastervolt Chargemaster 24/100-3
- Fireboy Automatic Fire Extinguisher Clean Agent FE-241
- Raritan hot water tank 1700 Series
- Groco Paragon Water Pressure System
Electronics
Pilot house:
- Northstar 6000i
- Raymarine Chartplotter
- Raymarine Smart Pilot Autohelm
- Simrad Robertson AP20 Autopilot
- Raymarine ST60+ Wind Display
- Raymarine ST60+ Speed Display
- Raymarine ST60+ Depth Display
- Ritchie Globemaster Compass
- Icom IC-M604 VHF
Flybridge:
- Raymarine E120 Chartplotter
- Raymarine Autohelm
- Simrad Robertson AP20 Autopilot
- Raymarine ST60+ Multi Display
- Standard Horizon HX260S handheld VHF
- Icom HM-157 Remote control microphone for VHF
- Ritchie Globemaster Compass
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
