Trumpy
Trumpy Yachts for Sale
The Builder Behind the Presidential Yacht
John Trumpy learned naval architecture in Norway before emigrating to the United States, where he joined the Mathis Yacht Building Company in New Jersey in the early 1900s. The yachts he designed there, including the 1925 Sequoia that later served presidents from Hoover through Ford, made his name before the company did. In 1947 the firm moved to Annapolis, Maryland, and built under the Trumpy name until the yard closed in 1974.
In between, the company built for two very different clients. During World War II, the yard turned out submarine chasers and other military vessels for the Navy. In peacetime, it built custom wooden motor yachts, one at a time, for owners including Howard Hughes and members of the DuPont and Chrysler families. Nobody ordered a Trumpy from a catalog. Each hull was drawn for the person paying for it.
Current Trumpy Yacht Listings
LOCATION: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
ASKING PRICE: $1,695,000 USD
LOCATION: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
ASKING PRICE: $895,000 USD
LOCATION: Chesapeake, Virginia, United States
ASKING PRICE: $1,650,000 USD
LOCATION: Chesapeake, Virginia, United States
ASKING PRICE: $725,000 USD
LOCATION: Jupiter, Florida, United States
ASKING PRICE: $699,000 USD
Trumpy Yachts
About Trumpy Yachts
What Makes a Trumpy a Trumpy
You can identify one from across a harbor: the white hull, the long sheer, the varnished teak, the fantail stern on many of them. The construction underneath is what has kept them cruising. Mahogany planking over white oak frames, joinery cut by hand, and proportions that still look right sixty years on. Boats built this way reward good ownership, and most surviving Trumpys have had exactly that, passing between custodians who kept up the varnish and the systems. The yard built roughly 40 to 120 feet, from commuters and houseboats to long-range cruisers. Fewer than a hundred large hulls survive today, which is why a well-kept Trumpy draws a crowd at any classic yacht gathering and why they rarely stay on the market long.
Buying a Trumpy Today
A wooden yacht from the 1950s or 60s is a different purchase than a fiberglass one from 2015, and the questions that matter are different too: when she was last re-planked, who did the structural work, how complete the maintenance records are. Worth Avenue Yachts has sold several Trumpys in recent years and represents multiple current listings as Central Agents. Our brokers know these boats, the yards that service them, and the small community of owners and craftsmen who keep them going. If you are considering one, start with a conversation... we can tell you honestly which boats are ready to cruise and which are projects.
Yachts of the Elite
Trumpy yachts were favored by America’s most influential figures, including U.S. presidents, industrial magnates, and Hollywood celebrities. The most famous build, the U.S.S. Sequoia, served as the official presidential yacht from Herbert Hoover through Gerald Ford. Other notable owners include Howard Hughes and members of the DuPont and Chrysler families, cementing Trumpy’s status among yachting’s elite.
Traditional Craft Meets Innovation
While Trumpy Yachts are admired for their classic wooden construction, the builder was also known for pioneering design features and efficient use of interior space. Today, many original Trumpy vessels have been restored or modernized with updated navigation systems, eco-friendly refits, and hybrid technologies—preserving their legacy while embracing contemporary innovation.
Trumpy at a Glance
country
Originally built in Camden and Gloucester City, New Jersey, before relocating to Annapolis, Maryland, in 1947. The brand remains a symbol of American maritime heritage.
Specialities
Trumpy Yachts specialized in custom-built wooden motor yachts, particularly houseboats and cruisers, designed for affluent clientele. Their designs are renowned for timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship.
Size Range
Typically range from 40 to 120 feet in length, offering spacious accommodations and classic design elements.
Hull Configurations
Most feature displacement or semi-displacement hulls, providing smooth and stable cruising experiences.
Hull Materials
Constructed primarily from wood, Trumpy’s often utilized mahogany planking over white oak frames, showcasing superior craftsmanship and durability.
Services
While original production ceased in 1974, many Trumpy Yachts have been meticulously restored, blending classic aesthetics with modern amenities. Select builders and restorers offer services to maintain and refurbish these iconic vessels.
Recently Sold Trumpy Yachts
Worth Avenue Yachts has recently facilitated the sale of several prestigious Trumpy yachts, underscoring our expertise in representing iconic vessels crafted by one of the world’s most renowned shipyards
TRUMPY 84′ WISHING STAR
84' Trumpy 1963
TRUMPY 72′ DOVETAIL
72' Trumpy 1972
TRUMPY 58 AURORA
58' Trumpy 1971
Models and Specs
Trumpy Models
Build Without Compromise.
At Worth Avenue Yachts, we turn visionary ideas into world-class yachts—crafted with precision, passion, and a commitment to your unique journey.
Contact Us
Get in Touch
Ready to bring your dream yacht to life? Get in touch with our new build specialists today and start your custom journey.
Crafted to the highest standards, chosen for their legacy.
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