Billy Joel's Newest Boat

Maybe the Piano Man should be renamed the Boat Man.

Billy Joel’s newest boat, a Patriot 36 he christened Argos, features many customized details, such as a center-mounted console with an electric lift for easy access to the engine, wrap-around seating, a raised deck for visibility, and a 670-hp Cummins diesel.

Joel was integral to the design of this yacht, envisioning an art deco-inspired vessel, a reminder of the streamlined beauty of 1950’s sportfishing boats. He worked closely with the president of Ellis Boat Company, Don Ellis, and Brian Walls, a design engineer to make his concept a reality.

This new Patriot 36 is the first of its kind to be delivered. Joel claimed Argos was “the quietest boat in my fleet” due to its standard sound-reduction floor and exhaust systems, and Evolution Quiet Drive shaft system.

Now that Joel’s tour has ended with a historic finish at Shea Stadium, perhaps he has time to revisit his River of Dreams on this sleek, new yacht.

Cutting the Cost of Fishing

The Yamaha engine company is currently offering fuel-efficient fishing tips on its Web site. The tips are all pretty intuitive, but that doesn’t mean they’re not useful, and for some weekenders feeling the gas crunch, pretty essential.

Yamaha advocates things like fishing with buddies, finding the "sweetspot" on your engine, and researching your fishing grounds well ahead of time so you know exactly where to go. Another good idea is trolling, or drift fishing for certain types of fish.

One that is not on this particular list is reducing weight, and aligning weight properly onboard your boat to ensure that your running angles are optimal. Following as many of these tips as possible is a good way to get out there and enjoy the summertime.

Clean Boating Act Now Official

You're looking at President George W. Bush signing the Clean Boating Act of 2008 yesterday. Joining him aboard Air Force One was Rep. Steven LaTourette (left) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi, both from Ohio. The bill, which was approved by Congress last week, protects more than 17 million American recreational boaters from confusing and in some cases unnecessary regulations that are more applicable to commercial vessels. (Visit BoatBlue as well as this post to get the full background details.)

White House photo: Chris Greenberg

Azimut's Getaway, Atlantic City

Azimut Yachts recently held a getaway for its owners at Trump Marina. In total, about 30 boats and their owners and families showed up for a fun weekend of boat hopping, cocktail parties, dinners and dancing, and a little fun at the tables.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the introduction of the new Azimut 50, equipped with the Seakeeper Gyro, which is a device that reduces roll. I had a chance to take the 50 out and test the device. It works quite well, and it's a nice option for Azimut enthusiasts. Another highlight of the weekend was the 116-foot Vivere owned by Phil Rinaldi. Phil was nice enough to give PMY a tour of this outstanding vessel.

Room Service

Lazzara Yachts has found a solution to one obstacle in buying a boat: geography. On the heels of announcing its new LSX 92, the Tampa, Florida-headquartered company launched a Web site allowing prospective buyers to experience the LSX 92 from the comfort of their living rooms...no matter how many miles stretch from those rooms to the Sunshine State.

By entering a security code, 0092, you gain access to the inside workings of the LSX 92—from video presentations to animations and brochures to comprehensive layouts and sketches. You can also download material for review later. Talk about room service!

To experience the new LSX 92 log on to its special Web site. Then sit back, relax and enjoy.