Day boat designed by music legend Billy Joel on show at FLIBS

6 November 2015 • Written by Philip Reynolds

What does any self-respecting rock star do when he slows down in his middle age?

Well, if you are Billy Joel you become one of the best celebrity yacht designers. Joel did not follow the advice of his 1984 single ‘Leave a Tender Moment Alone’ and instead, concerned about the declining local boat building community in his Long Island home, designed a beautiful day boat in collaboration with Doug Zurn and CH Marine. That resulted in the 11.58 metre Shelter Island Runabout, inspired by traditional teak tenders of the Jazz Age. At this year's Fort Lauderdale boat show the Joel/Zurn partnership are showcasing another tender moment —  Vendetta.

Billy Joel has teamed up with Doug Zurn and CH Marine to create a new day boat

Delivered in 2005 Vendetta is the big 17.37 metre sister to the Shelter Island Runabout, another classic piece of 1920s styling that packs a 45 knot punch for the Long Island Sound commute.

Joel’s frequent trips to New York city was the driving force in deciding to proceed with the design and construction of a commuter style yacht.

"Her appearance harks back to a bygone era of Long Island Sound commuter boats, combined with the performance and speed of The Shelter Island Runabout , said Zurn. “She will provide a quick, smooth ride in the often short chop of Long Island Sound and the menacing Hell Gate.”

Vendetta achieves her 45 knots with twin 1300 horsepower MAN diesels coupled to POWER-VENT Marine Drive System. A relatively narrow, modified V-hull, with plumb bow, slight rocker forward and straight sections aft enhance the performance. The hull was built using advanced resin infusion technique, incorporating vinylester resin infused into a Dupont Kevlar hybrid cloth with Core Cell foam core. The goal was to keep the boat's strength to weight ratio as high as possible. The hull, deck and small parts were assembled and finished at both Coecles Harbor Marine and Derecktors Mamaroneck Yard.

The enclosed cockpit easily accommodates up to six people, in four individual Stidd 500 Series Low Back Chairs and a twin bench seat. Vendetta is also equipped with a custom Raymarine electronics package.

Down below is decidedly open, with only one personal door providing privacy to the head compartment. There is a raised galley area aft with small dining table. Forward are two settee/bunks with day bag storage just above and outboard. Overhead hatches, portlights and dorade vents offer excellent natural illumination and ventilation while air-conditioning and 24vdc lighting provide additional creature comforts.

Vendetta is currently for sale asking $1,295,000.

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