1996: Billy Joel’s Runabout
Produced on Shelter Island

In 1996, the Coecles Harbor Marina and Boatyard, located on Shelter Island, produced "Nomad," the first Shelter Island Runabout, a $250,000, 38-foot "picnic boat" designed by singer-songwriter Billy Joel. Eight craftsmen worked on "Nomad," helping to realize Joel’s vision of keeping the art of boat-building going on Long Island. Runabouts like the one shown here have a top speed of 55 mph and feature spacious cockpits, bathrooms, and small cabins. An avid boater, Joel bought his first boat, a rowboat, in Hampton Bays in 1971, following the release of his first solo album, "Cold Spring Harbor." The Grammy Award-winner, whose albums have sold more than 100 million copies, recently designed an updated version of the yachts that the wealthy owners of Gold Coast estates used for commuting to Manhattan during the 1920s and 1930s. The 57-foot commuter yacht is currently being built at the Coecles Harbor Marina and Boatyard on Shelter Island.