Just Launched: Billy Joel's New Boat -- Argos

Particulars: An experienced boatman always brings his past with him when ordering a new boat. A case in point is Argos, the new Patriot 36 built by Ellis Boat Company for singer/songwriter Billy Joel. Hearkening back to his 1950s commercial fishing roots, Joel had Ellis's boatbuilders and their designer, Brian Walls, configure a boat that combines a streamlined deckhouse and superstructure reminiscent of sportfishing vessels of an earlier era with the modern downeast hull shape for which Ellis Boat is justly known. The boat was launched this summer. “The interior styling and painted trim remind me of the early Bunker and Ellis boats,” said company president, Donny Ellis, referring to the famous run of boats built by his father, Ralph, and his partner Raymond Bunker. These wooden boats, now all at least 50 years old, but some still going strong, are revered icons on the Maine coast. Joel has had a number of boats built over the years, many by Maine builders, and his experience shows in the numerous details that make Argos unique. “Working with Mr. Joel and his captain, Gene Pelland, was an absolute pleasure. Both of them are very knowledgeable and were integral to the design and construction of the boat,” said Ellis. One of the more ingenious features is a center-mounted console that provides wrap-around seating, as well as the ability to be lifted electrically with the deck hatch to allow full and easy access to the engine—an 11-liter, 670-hp Cummins diesel. The Ellis hull shape coupled with the Cummins power plant gives Argos a top speed of 30 knots, as well as the full range of cruising speeds typical of an Ellis semi-displacement boat. Standard features of both the Ellis Patriot 36 and the 40 include bow thruster, comfortable V-berth accommodations with full galley and head, the Evolution Quiet Drive shaft, and the Ellis “Silent Service” sound-reduction floor and exhaust systems. “It’s the quietest boat in my fleet,” said Joel.
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