After an extensive stem-to-stern retrofit by its current owner, Concordia—a Vashon Navigation ferry originally built as part of the famed Mosquito Fleet—is ready for a new chapter as an events space or floating residence; call Irwin Yacht Sales to find out more.
This month, we’re proud to feature one of the more unique Broker’s Best choices in the Puget Sound region: The nearly century-old Concordia, one of the last remaining ferry boats of the famed Mosquito Fleet that plied the Sound’s waters in the early half of the 20th century. Built in 1930 by the Vashon Navigation Co. in Tacoma, Concordia was also one of the last steam-powered boats made in the region before it was converted to diesel power in 1937.
After serving the Tacoma-Vashon Island route—plus other Mosquito Fleet ferry routes between Seattle, Bremerton, and Port Orchard—for nearly 40 years, “Conkie,” as it was affectionally known, was purchased in 1976, decommissioned, and towed to Lake Union, where it was carefully restored. However, it sat idle at the dock for most of the ensuing years. The current owner, Bart Brynestad, bought Concordia in 2020 and towed it from Seattle to a dock he owns in Gig Harbor. “Just fell in love with it,” he said. “I think it’s one of only three of the old Mosquito Fleet boats left.”
Since the purchase, Brynestad and his contractor friend Al Pollan have worked on a massive stem-to-stern retrofit to transform the Concordia into a modern live-aboard vessel to be used as a floating home or rental space. Given its wide 22’ beam, the owners have made the most of its internal space, providing accommodations for up to 10 guests, with two separate galleys, an owner’s suite, a VIP stateroom, two other private staterooms, and a pilothouse loft.
Beginning during the Covid pandemic, Brynestad and Pollan set about fixing up the vessel over the course of six months, which included replacing all the plumbing, adding wood paneling, a new paint job, installing new floor surfaces, and adding modern appliances.
“The top deck had a lot of wood that was decaying and had to be replaced,” Brynestad said. “And on a boat, nothing is ever square, nothing is true. We had to fix the doors, we had to fix the frames and put new windows in. It was a fair amount of work.” His daughter-in-law, Bailey Brynestad, also did the interior design work during the renovation.
The effort really shows today. Entering from the starboard door, visitors are greeted by the voluminous main deck salon, with a forward social gathering area featuring a port-side couch, two armchairs, a coffee table, and end tables. The bow-facing windows frame the remnants of the vessel’s functional maritime days—the wooden ship’s wheel and the old telemotor controls.
Just aft of the salon is the primary social area—the main galley—separated by an island breakfast bar. The ceiling of the galley has been opened up to the top deck, providing soaring vertical space that allows natural light to pour through slanted windows located on the foredeck. Inside the galley, the new commercial-grade appliances include an eight-burner propane cooktop, dual ovens, stainless steel and concrete countertops, a dishwasher, stainless steel dual sinks, and a wine refrigerator.
Aft of the main-deck galley to port is the dining room with a table that seats 10 people with bench seating and two armchairs. The room also provides access to the shared day head for the main deck, plus the VIP and aft staterooms. The midship VIP stateroom includes a queen-size berth and twin nightstands, while the full-beam aft stateroom is specially designed for kids, with two sets of bunks beds on opposite sides (single berth upper, double berth lower for each), plush armchairs, and fun “pirates lair” windows astern.
The upper deck features more secluded spaces, with an aft owner’s salon, a smaller L-shaped galley forward, a private head and shower, and a queen-size berth. The upper salon is furnished with a comfortable sofa, an entertainment center, two free-standing chairs, and a built-in breakfast nook with two benches to port. Up a few steps forward, the former pilothouse has been cleared of all equipment and converted into a quiet reading loft, with cushioned lounges that can be converted into a guest berth.
The exterior top deck has a full walk-around promenade, with bench seating around the railings and an aluminum staircase leading up to the open-air flybridge deck, just aft of the converted pilothouse. The deck features 360-degree views and a propane fire pit for al-fresco gatherings.
Brynestad used the vessel only for family gatherings and events with his church over the last four years, but “Conkie” is ready to take rentals with a new owner. “It has a lot of space for a boat of its size,” he added. “And I think it’s a nice addition to the skyline of Gig Harbor.”
Specs & Info
LOA 63’0” · Beam 22’0” · Draft 7’0”
Tankage (Fresh/Black)
200 gal. / 100 gal.
Contact
Irwin Yacht Sales
Seattle, WA
Matt Maynard
206.632.2900
matt@irwinyachtsales.com
irwinyachtsales.com
