Exploring The Vessel Docked At 125Th: A Unique Boat Experience

The Baylander IX-514, a former Navy vessel, is docked at 125th Street in West Harlem, New York City. The ship, which was once used in the Vietnam War, has been transformed into a floating restaurant and bar called Baylander Steel Beach. The unique dining destination offers seafood and bar grub, as well as nautical-themed cocktails. The boat is also part of a larger initiative to transform the 125th Street piers into a tourist destination, with plans for a high-speed boat tour called the Harlem Rocket, an 180-foot Ferris wheel, and a Harlem Maritime Center & Museum.

The Baylander Steel Beach restaurant and bar

The Baylander Steel Beach is a restaurant and bar located on a former Navy ship docked at the West Harlem Piers near 125th Street in New York City. The ship, known as the USS Baylander or Baylander IX-514, is the world's smallest aircraft carrier at 125 to 133 feet long. It served in the Vietnam War and was used as a US Navy Helicopter Landing Trainer before being decommissioned in 2011.

The Baylander Steel Beach opened in July 2020, offering a unique dining experience on the water. The restaurant features a 4,000-square-foot outdoor deck with about 20 picnic tables spread across the upper and lower decks of the ship. The bar and kitchen are housed in cargo containers purchased from the Army, adding to the industrial charm of the venue.

The menu at The Baylander Steel Beach features American fare with a focus on seafood. Guests can enjoy dishes such as fish and chips, fried clams, lobster rolls, burgers, and hot dogs. The drink menu includes a variety of cocktails with nautical themes, such as frosé, Dark 'n Stormy, and a "Port Side Paloma." There are also summery options like frozen lemonade and margaritas.

The Baylander Steel Beach is typically open from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours varying slightly depending on the day of the week. It provides a pandemic-proof dining experience with plenty of fresh air and space for social distancing. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome at the venue.

The Baylander Steel Beach offers a unique and casual dining atmosphere, combining the fun of a beer garden with the charm of a floating bar. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a breezy summer evening with delicious food and drinks, all while taking in the stunning views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan coastline.

The USS Baylander's history

The USS Baylander, docked at the West Harlem Piers near 125th Street, is a former Navy vessel with a rich history. The ship began its military career in 1968, serving the Navy in the Vietnam War and the Army in Guam. It was then converted into a US Navy Helicopter Landing Trainer, billed as the world's smallest aircraft carrier.

During its military service, the Baylander played a crucial role in training helicopter pilots, who needed to learn how to land on a boat. After a distinguished career, the ship was decommissioned in 2011 and sold to Al Trenk, who moved it from Florida to New York City. While docked in Brooklyn, the Baylander opened its doors to the public as a museum and even hosted an art exhibition.

In 2016, ownership was transferred to the Trenk Family Foundation, and the ship found its new home at the West Harlem Piers on 125th Street. Here, it continued to offer educational tours, giving people a glimpse into its history and service.

The Baylander underwent a transformation when Michael Trenk, the owner's son, decided to turn it into a unique dining and drinking establishment. In 2020, the Baylander Steel Beach restaurant and bar opened its doors, offering seafood-focused dishes and cocktails with a maritime twist. The outdoor venue, spread across the ship's upper and lower decks, provided a ""pandemic-proof" dining experience with plenty of fresh air and space for social distancing.

With its rich history, the USS Baylander has gone from serving its country in times of war to becoming a beloved New York City attraction, offering both education and entertainment to locals and visitors alike.

The Harlem Rocket boat tour

About the Tour

The Harlem Rocket is a high-speed boat tour set to open at the 125th Street piers in summer. The 90-passenger boat will give tours of the Hudson River along the Upper Manhattan waterfront. The boat is currently being worked on in a Westchester shipyard.

About the Organizers

The tour is being organized by Paradise Express Ferry, New York City's only Black-owned, Harlem-based commercial maritime operator. The organizers are looking to raise $100,000 in small-dollar contributions to be matched, which will go towards launching the vessel, training new hires, and providing a rich array of community programming.

About the Initiative

The Harlem Rocket is part of the Harlem Gateway Waterfront Initiative, which aims to transform the 125th Street piers into a tourist destination. The initiative also includes plans for an 180-foot Ferris wheel on 125th Street and a Harlem Maritime Center & Museum.

About the Boat

The Harlem Rocket is more than just an exciting excursion—it's a cultural and historic tour that will help reclaim the working waterfront for the legacy of maritime activity historically rooted in Black and Brown communities worldwide.

Fundraising Efforts

To raise funds for the high-speed boat, the organizers held a fundraiser event in Harlem's Chocolat. Depending on the amount donated, donors are eligible to win unlimited and lifetime passes for four people on the boat, scenic tours followed by dinner at Melba's Restaurant on 114th Street, or curated tours for kids.

The Harlem Gateway Waterfront Initiative

The initiative will be implemented in three phases. The first phase, called the Harlem Rocket, is a 90-person high-speed tour vessel that will offer thrilling and educational tours of the Harlem and Upper Manhattan waterfront, focusing on the historical and cultural contributions of the diverse communities in the area. The Harlem Rocket will be equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology from Raymarine, a global leader in marine electronics, ensuring a safe and exciting experience for its passengers.

The second phase of the initiative will see the construction of the Harlem Wheel, a 180-foot-tall observation wheel offering breathtaking views of New York City and its iconic landmarks. With affordable ticket prices, the Harlem Wheel is expected to attract over 1 million visitors annually, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

The third phase involves the creation of the Harlem Maritime Center & Museum, a 50,000-square-foot facility that will recognize the significant contributions of people of color to US and international maritime history. The center will showcase notable Americans of color, such as Crispus Attucks, Matthew Henson, and Seaman Doris Miller. Designated as the city's first carbon-neutral zone, the center will utilize renewable energy systems and prioritize access for hybrid and electric vehicles. Additionally, it will feature cutting-edge digital technologies, including AI and AR, to enhance the visitor experience.

The Baylander's outdoor dining

The Baylander Steel Beach: The Ultimate Outdoor Dining Experience

The Baylander Steel Beach is a unique restaurant and bar docked at the West Harlem Piers on 125th Street in New York City. Housed on a former Navy ship, the Baylander offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience with stunning views of the Hudson River.

A Piece of Naval History

The Baylander has a rich history dating back to its military service in the Vietnam War. Known as the IX-514 or the "Baylander," it served as a US Navy Helicopter Landing Trainer and was also used by the Army in Guam. With a length of 133 feet, it is considered one of the world's smallest aircraft carriers. After being decommissioned in 2011, the ship was sold and eventually transformed into the vibrant dining destination it is today.

A Floating Oasis

The Baylander Steel Beach offers a spacious 4,000-square-foot outdoor deck with a casual, fun atmosphere. The upper and lower decks feature about 20 picnic tables, providing ample seating for guests to enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking views. The bar and kitchen are creatively housed in Army cargo containers, adding to the unique charm of the venue.

Delicious Seafood and Cocktails

The Baylander's menu showcases a delicious array of seafood and bar grub. Diners can indulge in dishes such as fish and chips, fried clam strips, and the ever-popular lobster rolls. The drink menu features a selection of nautical-themed cocktails, including the Captain's Colada, Steel Beach Margarita, Frosé, and Port Side Paloma. With drinks ranging from $10 to $12, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a summery beverage.

Operating Hours and Location

The Baylander Steel Beach is typically open from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours varying slightly on different days. It is easily accessible at the West Harlem Piers on 125th Street, offering a convenient and scenic dining option for locals and tourists alike.

The Baylander Steel Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique outdoor dining experience. With its rich history, charming ambiance, and delicious food and drinks, it offers an unforgettable culinary journey in a breathtaking setting. So, whether you're a history buff, a seafood lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, the Baylander Steel Beach is the perfect spot to dock yourself!

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