The history on Madman is impeccable. It was originally commissioned as Marablu and was custom built for Abe Blumenfield, a wealthy businessman and owner of movie theaters in Northern California. This was his third Stephens. The boat was subsequently renamed Polly A, Madman, Grey Eagle, Carol Sue, Georgiana, Emily K (17 years), and finally, Madman once again. It is said that Madman was chosen as the inspiration for the album “Madman Across the Water” by alleged owner at the time, John Reid who was Elton John’s longtime Manager and partner. Elton purchased the boat for John for his 25th Birthday. A well documented story so please ask and I can provide further information.

Don’t get too caught up in the history as the boat will surely get your attention. Madman was never a project boat as it was continually cared for and upgraded over the years. The prior owner of close to 20 years (1988-2017) kept her at Seattle Yacht Club. The current owner since 2017 has had the unique opportunity to moor her undercover at Diamond Marina on Lake Union. The majority of Madman’s life has been kept undercover and in fresh water.

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.