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.
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