​CLASSIC YACHT PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the Matthews Boat Company's most popular cabin configurations in the 1950s was the Sedan Convertible, so named, because the cabin doors folded away to make the deckhouse fully open to the cockpit.

A factory flybridge was available from the factory at the time, but this one was added at a later date.

Simrad Navstation at both helms.

Updated seating can be converted to sleep two by raising hinged panels. Starboard side panel is in "up" position.

The original davits were missing. I found these '50s era davits at a used marine equipment store.

The "convertible" option offers the best of both worlds. Doors may be fully opened to connect the deckhouse and aft cockpit.

Large windows surround the deckhouse enclosure allowing perfect visibility in any direction.

Furniture moves easily to expose engine room hatches. Sofa stands on end in aft corner.

Cruising seats cleverly stow when not in use to offer more salon space.

Lower helm cruising is comfortable with upholstered arm rests and factory foot rests.

The original vacuum gauges on these boats were works of art. Unfortunately, they had been replaced and new gauges added willy-nilly over the years. The new panel is less congested and retains the patented "DUALOCK" switches.

While the original Matthews controls remained, I decided to refit with similar period, single lever/dual function Morse controls. They were somewhat tricky to master at first, but make controlling the boat in tight quarters much easier.

Over the years, various electronics instruments had been mounted to the deck forward of the compass. It made accessing the chart locker cumbersome and interfered with visibility. By adding an overhead panel, we were able to locate all electronics close to the helm and out of the way.

Parts of the port side bulkhead and headliner were removed to connect the dinette with the deckhouse.

A small companionway used to separate the galley/dinette from the salon. With the companionway removed, the galley enjoys more natural light.

This table is made from a slab of Honduran mahogany.