Baylander, Military training vessel at West Harlem Piers, United States
The Baylander IX-514 is a former military vessel moored at West Harlem Piers along the Hudson River, measuring roughly 125 feet long and 36 feet wide with a helicopter landing platform on deck. Today it houses a restaurant and serves as a hub for oyster restoration work and educational programming.
Built in 1968 in California, the vessel was originally designated YFU-79 and entered military service as a training platform. Its decades of naval operations gave way to a new life when the city repurposed it for civilian use.
The vessel now serves as a restaurant and learning hub where visitors experience the connection between urban waterfronts and oyster restoration efforts. This shift from military use to public gathering space reflects New York's reclaiming of its waterfront for community engagement.
The vessel sits at West Harlem Piers along the Hudson and is accessible by public transportation. Access can vary depending on weather or special events, so checking ahead before your visit is recommended.
The vessel gained fame during its military years for an exceptional safety record across thousands of helicopter operations, earning respect from multiple armed forces. Today this remarkable history remains part of what makes the site historically significant to visitors.
Length: 38 m
Width: 11 m
GPS coordinates: 40.81917,-73.96210
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
The historic ships of the United States Navy are a direct testament to the country’s naval development throughout the 20th century. These warships, converted into museums accessible to the public, allow visitors to learn about life onboard and the technologies used during major global conflicts. The collections include Iowa-class battleships such as the USS New Jersey in Camden and the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, destroyers like the USS Laffey in Mount Pleasant, as well as World War II submarines like the USS Cod in Cleveland and the USS Lionfish in Fall River. Visitors can walk the combat decks, examine original weapon systems, and explore preserved interior spaces. The USS Yorktown aircraft carrier at Patriots Point also displays vintage military aircraft, while the Naval Submarine Museum at Keyport features diving equipment and historical torpedoes. These sites, spread across oceans, provide a tangible view of the US Navy's role during Pacific conflicts, the Korean War, and more recent operations, showcasing nearly 80 years of maritime military history.
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