Papagallo II

She is a classic 71 foot Burger Motor Yacht, built in 1964 with two 8V-71 Detroit diesel engines. The Papagallo II has a distinguished ownership history and has been lovingly maintained in near pristine condition. The vessel is coast guard certified for operation up 20 miles offshore along the majority of the California coast. Her captain is a well-seasoned mariner of the waters off the rugged central coast, with a plethora of sea knowledge and safety to share with passengers onboard.

The aft salon is the main dining area and is surrounded by windows with beautiful wood detailing. The vessels’ mid-ship salon provides an elegant, intimate cocktail lounge with a full bar made of pomelle sapele topped in copper, and a beautiful nautical wood engraving embedded within the elegant carpeted space. The salon is equipped with an entertainment system, an HD smart TV, and plenty of room to dance! The galley and wheelhouse are forward of the mid-ship salon. Below decks are a master suite (with a private bathroom suite, including Jacuzzi) and a guest stateroom with twin beds. Her forward deck is open and perfect for mingling or seated groups to enjoy the open water views and fresh ocean breeze. 

Papagallo II Ownership History

The yacht Papagallo II started out life in 1964, when she was launched at Manitowoc, Wisconsin as a ship named Sybarita. Built as hull number 149C, of all-aluminum by the Burger Boat Company, she splashed into the western edge of Lake Michigan in December of that year. Her proud owners were said to be the President and wife of the famous American President Lines.

In November 1969 she was sold to a businessman from Ohio who re-named her as “Wet Ink III”. At that time, she was fitted with a brand new pair of fin stabilizers made in England. She was berthed in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Nearly five years later, in May of 1974, she was sold to a couple from Oregon, and so she made the trip westward through the Panama Canal. She still carries the “guest flags” of Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico aboard ship from that journey. She was then re-named “Ariane”.

Another ownership exchange was made only a year and a half later, when she was sold to a couple from Newport Beach, California. This particular couple, with the yacht in the care of a full-time professional captain, took her to Mexico on a month-long vacation with friends, as they called on the ports of Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan, in the spring of 1976.

By the fall of 1977, the luster had worn off and this fine yacht, now named “Cliche”, was sold to a Northern California businessman named Ernie Gabiati. Mr. Gabiati had grown up in San Francisco, the son of a tough Italian immigrant who had his own salami business.

Born Ercole “Hercules” Gabiati on June 20, 1921, young “Herc” grew up alongside many Italian families who lived in the North Beach neighborhood of Grant Avenue and Filbert Street. He attended San Francisco Middle School and Galileo High School. His father, Louis, operated Roma Sausage at Pacific and Montgomery streets and wanted his only son to take over the business, but Mr. Gabiati had other plans.

In his early 20’s Mr. Gabiati went to work as a shipyard welder, a much-needed skill that kept him at home instead of being drafted into World War II. In 1946, Mr. Gabiati thought again about taking over his father’s business. Fortunately for Mr Gabiati, though his father had closed Roma Sausage, he had not yet leased the factory or sold the equipment. Mr. Gabiati took over the plant, but started an entirely new enterprise.

In creating Gallo Salami Inc., Mr. Gabiati took a modern approach to the business, which had a staggering number of local competitors. Instead of selling huge salamis from a delicatessen, he produced, sliced and then innovatively vacuum-packed the salami at the factory so it could be sold in stores. Safeway picked it up first, and then stores carried it nationwide.

Mr. Gabiati re-named his pride and joy as Papagallo II. The name refers to his own nick-name “Papa”, and “Gallo” for the Gallo Salami fortune which he created – in addition, “Papagallo” is Italian for Parrot, a theme you will see on the vessel. Because of this double entendre, two pronunciations are often heard for the vessel – Papa gallo and Papa guyo. (Yes, there was a Papagallo I – it was his own private speedboat).

In October 2005, Leonard and Midge Gentieu, of Cambria, California, took ownership of the Papagallo II. They had chosen to retain the name Papagallo II in honor of Mr. Gabiati, and was re-berthed in Morro Bay, CA. Over the course of 16 years, Leonard and Midge established the Papagallo II as the iconic, premier luxury motor yacht of Morro Bay. They have invested their hearts and souls into providing excellent service to those onboard and to maintaining the ship's immaculate performance standards. After having succeeded in maintaining the legacy of the Papagallo II, it was time to pass the baton onto the next set of young, ambitious and enthusiastic owners. 

In August 2021, California native Tracy and his wife, Nicole, assumed ownership of the Papagallo II and her historic legacy. They retained the name and berth in honor of the vessel’s previous ownership and deep-seated history. Passionate about the ocean and enjoying life, Tracy and Nicole are dedicated to providing excellent service and upkeep to ensure the Papagallo II remains Morro Bay’s number one luxury yacht charter for decades to come!