“I loved its lines and that it was family friendly with a cuddy-cabin and V berth, a head, and lots walking around space… 21 years later, I still love the boat. My boating season begins when I take off the cover in the spring.”
Seaglass, Compass Island 25′
Interview with the Captain — Tom Roberts
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Compass Island?
Our family began our Marblehead boating experience with a 1960’s Carl Alberg 25’ Kittiwake full-keel sloop with a 6 hp Johnson outboard in a well on the stern. It was beautiful and I loved it! We had wonderful times on it until our children became teenagers. In spite of Pleon summers, sailing was not their thing. Enter the 19.6’ Aquasport, previously owned by the Marblehead Selectman and legend Bill Conly. He sold it to me for what he paid for it.
Our kids loved being on the water again, but the Aquasport got to be too small, and I saw a boat in the Lincoln St. boatyard. It was a Compass Island 25, AKA Gulfstream 25. I loved its lines and that it was family friendly with a cuddy-cabin and V berth, a head, and lots walking around space. It was also an inboard. I sold the Aquasport for what I paid for it and started looking for a Compass Island Gulfstream 25. In the spring of 2000, I saw one advertised in the Points East Magazine. It was in Rhode Island and without hesitation, I made an offer sight unseen. After a positive marine survey, the deal was done, and my friend offered to transport it to Marblehead. 21 years later, I still love the boat. My boating season begins when I take off the cover in the spring.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
Prior to even knowing about the Gulfstream brand, I really loved the Fortier 26. So much so, I made an offer on one. Unfortunately for its previous owner, the marine survey produced severe compression issues with the diesel engine, and I was advised to replace the engine, so I walked away. I also considered the Boca Grande. Another Florida made inboard classic with beautiful lines. Unfortunately, I was not able to find one at a reasonable price. There are two beautiful examples in Marblehead Harbor today.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
As I previously stated, the boat was being advertised in Points East magazine. It was previously owned by an avid fisherman out of Charlestown, Rhode Island. The Marina where he kept the boat had a very tide-sensitive canal-like entrance/exit to the open water. Although he loved the boat and had spent tons of money for upgrades, he was sick of grinding up expensive propeller blades to go fishing. He wanted to move to something with an outboard engine so he could bring up the engine while exiting the marina.
What features/improvements have you added, or do you plan to add?
Over the last 21 years, I have re-powered the Crusader 350 engine (1988), entirely rebuilt below decks to include bulkheads and stringers and two 50 gal fuel tanks. I have replaced all the electronics and wiring and added teak flooring in the cockpit sole. My next adventure is to replace the original T-top fabric.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
I really like its classic looks with lots of beautiful bright work. Although it requires a lot of attention in the spring, it rides in the water beautifully and with the cuddy cabin, kids love to go below and can get out of the weather if needed.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
Shortly after moving to Marblehead in 1969, a friend and I both decided that If we lived here, we should learn to sail. There was a small boat rental company next to where the Landing Restaurant is today with a launch service named Cabby. This was where I learned to sail. He bought a Cape Dory 25 sailboat, and I purchased the Alberg Kittiwake. We did a lot of day trips and overnighters when our kids were little.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
We have been members of the Corinthian Yacht Club since 1983.
What boats have you previously owned?
The Kittiwake, and the Aquasport.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
Mostly local day trips to Brown’s Island, Misery Island, Rockport, Gloucester Harbor, Sand Dollar Cove in Manchester, and the beautiful Annisquam River for a day at Wingaersheek Beach.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Other than what I can do myself, I leave most of the heavy lifting and technical work to Ryan Marine. The greatest challenge is to try to keep the to-do list at a reasonable level so as not to break the bank.
Do you have any notable boating resources you use?
Tides near Me, NOAA Weather, and Boat US for their towing service which fortunately I have never had to use.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Compass Island like yours?
Since they were only made in Ft. Lauderdale from 1986 -1994, Good luck finding one. They are never usually available on the internet.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
My wife thought the color of the hull resembled the many pieces of green seaglass she has collected over the years, hence the name!
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Seaglass!
