Bon Conge - ELCO FOR SALE

I have always believed that beauty deserves to be cherished, celebrated, and preserved at all costs. Growing up in a time when classic yachts and vintage cars were revered as treasures, I developed a passion for collecting exquisite pieces. The moment the stunning BON CONGE comes into view, an exhilarating thrill courses through you. It’s clear that you are witnessing a remarkable piece of American maritime heritage. Your heart races as your eyes admire her elegant lines and impeccable condition. You find yourself captivated as she gracefully approaches her berth, watching intently as her lines are secured to the gleaming bronze cleats. It’s no surprise that she has garnered 16 prestigious trophies at various exclusive classic yacht shows. As you stroll along the 42 feet of dock space she occupies, you realize that this extraordinary yacht must be yours. To your delight, you notice a small sign indicating who to contact for the opportunity to make her yours. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, you dig out your phone and, with trembling fingers, dial the number. You inquire breathlessly, "Is BON CONGE still available for viewing?" This is your chance to take the first step toward owning this magnificent yacht by exploring this listing. While some may say my description falls short of capturing her splendor, I invite you to enjoy the details and reach out to arrange a personal visit. However, if you are not a true aficionado, this listing may not be for you. BON CONGE is poised to bring joy to another family for many years ahead, and she awaits her next proud owner in the current boat location. Don’t miss your chance to explore yacht sales in the current boat location and consider this exceptional yacht for sale.

Walk Through

A walk through one of the finest examples of maritime history, BON CONGE, is an experience that lowers your blood pressure while making your heart sing with delight. As you approach her, you are greeted by her beautiful, graceful lines. Ordered in late 1927 from the eminent motor launch shipyard ELCO Shipbuilders, BON CONGE is a testament to US maritime history. ELCO first made its mark at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, where fifty-five launches, each 36 feet long and powered by battery-driven electric motors, carried over a million passengers. This company was ahead of its time, and by 1900, electric-powered pleasure boats outnumbered those powered by steam and explosive engines. By 1910, the advantages of gasoline engines dominated the market, and ELCO converted to motor boats.

During World War I, ELCO built hundreds of submarine chasers for the British Admiralty and the US Navy. Between the wars, they introduced successful cabin cruisers and, during World War II, formed the ELCO Naval Division in Bayonne, New Jersey, producing nearly 400 PT boats for the U.S. Navy. Perhaps the most notable was PT-109, commanded by future president John F. Kennedy.

BON CONGE, meaning "A Good Day Off," has been painstakingly restored to her former glory after nearly 16 years of research and restoration. Her owners searched through boat graveyards and archives, replicating parts that could not be sourced. The yacht features many vintage items, including a 110v electric fan in the wheelhouse and a stove top toaster and mixer in the galley, complemented by a modern power plant in the engine room.

The restoration of BON CONGE is a labor of love, with bronze hardware replaced or fabricated to the exact specifications of the original. Her decks, appearing to be planked wood with canvas covering, are actually handcrafted fiberglass planking with detailed canvas. Built as a beautiful yet hard-working gentleman's yacht capable of 9 knots, BON CONGE commands attention in any port. Her clean, graceful lines and sturdy seaworthiness transport you back to a time when craftsmanship was paramount.

Entering her pilothouse, you can descend five stairs to the owner's en-suite, featuring a tiled deck and shower. The master stateroom, originally built with two outboard berths, has been reconfigured for maximum comfort. A day bed with a lovely upholstered backrest can be transformed into a berth for two. The master stateroom also includes a TV hidden behind a panel, climate controls, and a handcrafted long dresser.

The pilot house is bright and airy, with large windows and a comfortable L-shaped settee that converts for additional sleeping accommodation. The helm features hidden navigation equipment and a bow thruster. The dining saloon boasts a glass-front China cabinet and a British Racing Green U-shaped settee with a varnished table. The galley, painted white with mahogany accents, is equipped with an original propane stove and ample storage.

The engine room, heavily insulated for sound, has been upgraded with new plumbing, wiring, and a modern fire suppression system. It houses a new John Deere 230 hp Diesel Turbo engine and an 8kw Kobota genset diesel. BON CONGE's hull is carvel planked with mahogany topsides, and her decks are custom fiberglass made to look like canvas-covered decking.

BON CONGE is now seeking a new custodian. She has been pampered and has won numerous trophies at classic yacht shows. Her current owners hope her new owners will cherish her as they have. If you can make her a part of your family and indulge her as needed, BON CONGE is ready to keep the good times rolling.

Disclaimer

The company presents the details of this vessel in good faith, yet it cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor the condition of the vessel. Prospective buyers are encouraged to instruct their agents or surveyors to thoroughly investigate any details they wish to have validated. This vessel is available for purchase, but it is important to note that it is subject to prior sale, price changes, or withdrawal from the market without notice.