52 Stephens 1965 Boat for Sale

Madman Boat | 52' Stephens 1965

TRANSFERRABLE LIVE - A - BOARD UNDERCOVER SLIP AVAILABLE

- RECENT SURVEY AVAILABLE -

A very rare opportunity to purchase a highly cared for and continually upgraded classic yacht. Madman is one of kind on all aspects and will not disappoint even a Shipwright.  The Stephens Yachts are regarded to a very high standard. They built boats from 1902 until 1987 in Stockton, CA.  Stephens were built to “high end semi-custom” and built to order.  Hence, Madman has a full beam Pilothouse and sliding doors to the aft deck which no other Stephans was built with these customizations.  Madman was launched on April 22, 1965 and is Hull M-117.

HISTORICAL SUMMARY:

Madman is one of a kind in all aspects. The history of Madman is remarkable. She was originally commissioned as Marablu and was custom-built for Abe Blumenfeld, a prominent businessman and owner of movie theaters in Northern California.  This was his third Stephens. 

The boat was subsequently renamed "Polly A", by Ben and Pauline Adlers. The vessel was purchased by Elton John and John Reid (partner and business manager for Elton) in 1972/3 and renamed "Madman".  Madman Across the Water album was released in November 1971. 

After four years the vessel was purchased by the Fenton Zehner family and renamed the Gray Eagle. I recently received an email from Fenton's son, Bill, confirming the purchase from Elton John and John Reid.  The Fenton's took possession for the boat in Marina Del Ray and cruised it up the coast to Coyote Point Marina, San Mateo, CA. 

The boat subsequently was renamed the Carol Sue (George Ehrhart - 1987), Georgiana (Gerald Taylor, Robert Long), and Emily K (John Berg) from 1998 to 2017, and renamed Madman in 2017 when acquired by D. Rothrock, P. Sleeth. 

The Brennan's acquired the vessel in January 2022.  In 2022, Madman’s two Detroit Diesel 6-71 engines were completely rebuilt (invoices available).  Madman cruised to Desolation Sound, B.C. in summer of 2023 and summer of 2025.

Some of the unique highlights of Madman are:

• Recently (2022) Rebuilt Twin 6-71 Detroit Diesels (Less than 300 hours)
• 9kw Northern Lights Generator (180 hours approx)
• Diesel Hydronic Furnace
• Upgraded Dometic MaserFlush Toilets
• Interior Upgrades
• New Swim Platform (2023) 
• Exterior is in “Bristol” Condition”
• Updated Garmin Electronics Suite
• 11’ Boston Whaler with Nick Jackson Davit
• NW Veteran
• Extensive Ships Store of Spares
• Detailed Logbook dating back some 25 years 
• Original Blueprints and Drawing of Madman
• Transferrable Live-A-Board Slip Available
• Receipts for all Work Including Engine Rebuilds
• Recent Survey w/Documented Repairs Completed

What differentiates Madman from the limited inventory of vintage wooden vessels:

• General condition, preservation - exceeds peer boats on the market
• Engine Rebuild - $80,000 investment, less than 300 hours, tested performance - two Desolation trips
• Primary system upgrades - wiring, heads, diesel heater, holding tank, navigation (Garmin)
• “Dry bilges” - Super Clean Bilges
• Stephens “stout” architecture - "more oak" than a Chris Craft 
• Moorage - LIVE ABOARD OPTION, excellent location (Rainier Marina)

DO NOT let this opportunity to let a “turn key” boat slip away.  Please call the LISTING BROKER for more information and to set up a showing appointment.  Madman is located offsite so please CALL ahead.

Denison Yachting is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Irwin Yacht Sales - Seattle.

Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.