When Billy Joel needs to get from his home in Long Island to New York City, he uses his 57-foot commuter boat Vendetta, a reliable yet rapid vessel designed by Zurn Yacht Design, based in Marblehead, Mass.

The Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter shared his vision for a simple, no-frills boat with the designers, who delivered a fully customized, 1920s-style runabout that is both sleek and sturdy. Accommodating up to six guests in four separate chairs and a twin bench seat, the boat features ample cock…