A Boat Owner’s Insights – 1926 Stephens 40 Sedan
In this review of “A Boat Owner’s Insights,” we feature a Stephens 40 Sedan.
The Stephens is for sale by Waterline Boats / Boatshed Seattle with direct links below.
Make A Statement While Traveling in Style and Comfort on this Classic Stephens 40 Sedan
When this Stephens 40 Sedan pulls into a marina, heads turn. Which is no surprise given how unique a 1920’s yacht is nowadays, and especially one as gorgeously designed and well maintained as this.
But this boat isn’t just a looker. It’s also a capable cruiser with many adventures achieved. While the interior and exterior have been impeccably restored to the 1920’s era, the engines, power and shipboard systems are all modern and up to date – meaning this boat is ready to leave the pier and make more heads turn.
From the San Diego Bar Hopping, to Cruising Catalina, to Even a Liveaboard – this Boat Fits All Occasions
The current owner originally bought this boat as a “Victorian cottage” to keep in San Diego to escape the summer heat of Arizona. There he used it to take guests to bars and restaurants and found it to be the perfect boat for entertaining. As the owner was in the movie business, he had many a guest from Tinseltown on the boat, and even one time an astronaut. “It’s always been a fun, positive place to entertain,” says the owner.
While in San Diego the owner took this vintage boat to San Diego’s Crystal Pier often, and every 4th of July he could be found rafted up in front of the Del Coronado hotel. The hotel operator loved having this antique yacht out in front, as it perfectly matched the hotel’s Victorian boathouse.
The owner even used the boat as a liveaboard for a year at San Diego’s Shelter Island, and reports that the boat worked perfectly for this purpose, being very comfortable and cozy.
This classic yacht wasn’t just kept in the harbor, however. It cruised to Catalina, and eventually a custom trailer was built to make travel to the San Juan Islands possible.
A Custom Trailer Creates Possibility
When the owner built the custom trailer in 2000 he far expanded cruising possibilities, and took the boat and his then 12-year-old son to Port Townsend, Washington. There they used Port Townsend as a base for exploring the San Juan and Gulf Islands for a summer.
While he feels like he barely made a dent in exploring all the islands in the region, he has some of his very favorite memories from sharing the uninhabited Jones Island with his son. With deer greeting them as they pulled ashore in the dingy, the island made for remarkable times.
Another highlight from that summer was being invited to have the boat in the internationally acclaimed Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. Being approached by this festival to join well says it all about this boat’s majesty and presence.
Reliability, Economy, and Visual Impact? A Boater’s Dream!
When asked what he has most enjoyed about this boat, the owner lists off admirable qualities with ease. They include:
• The boat’s economy. With both engines running at cruising speed, it consumes less than 2 gallons an hour.
• The ride. “Glides through the water at 8 knots with the engines barely turning,” the owner says.
• Engine reliability, and, being Isuzu C-240’s, the availability of parts.
• A very comfortable, useable, and warm layout.
• Attention to detail in the design. As an example, there are small portholes right next to the bunks, which allows a good flow of air – especially nice on hot nights.
Perhaps what tops it all off, though, is the response and reaction when the boat pulls up to a dock. “It’s something special,” the owner notes, “there’s visual impact.”
Meticulous Maintenance Keeps this Antique Vessel Going Strong
From up-to-date maintenance on the engines, to the brass being all polished and clear coated, this boat is well kept. With always an eye on making sure this boat was cared for, the owner built custom covers for while it was in the water, and it is currently being kept on its trailer in a custom-built hangar in Washington.
“Everyone who has owned this boat for the last 90 years have contributed to its longevity,” comments the owner, “and someone could really enjoy it up here.”
Passing on the Helm
“My little boy grew up on this boat,” the owner says, “we marked his height in the galley.” Truly special times were had on this boat, and treasured memories made. But, as he enjoys life after having had a career, it’s time now to let someone else enjoy their time on this one-of-a-kind vessel.
With Waterline Boats the owner appreciates the extraordinary time, attention, and marine knowledge boat broker Gary applied to the listing.
Where to Learn More
A boat like this is a truly rare find, and not to be missed. If fun on the water is what you’re looking for, check out this 1926 Stephens 40 Sedan. To learn more, and view over 125 pictures and 360’s views, visit the vessel’s Boatshed Presentation. – Stephens 40 Sedan
