New Boat Company Is Born.... Lancer Craft.

[Uncle Dave]

Super happy to be part of the Lancer Craft Boat team.

Reimagined modern classic boats using art and science to recreate the look of wood with the durability of Fibreglass.

We debuted a full line of new boats at the Chicago boat show this week.

The boats are Ilmor and electric powered, direct and V drive.

A few have provinance, - Ventnor, Elite Craft, Classic which is a Century Coronado.

Others are one offs, the Luxe, and the Epitome which have roots one the Riva/ Riviera design.

The electric "Current" is a ground up with a fully molded interior designed for 3 types of power, electric high/low power and gas.

These certainly wont be everyone's cup of tea, but for those seeking a unique product, these are really special.

UD

 

[82daytona]

Purdy! What are you doing with them?

 

[Tank]

Those are rad!! I really
Like the black and tan and ghe
Last one.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Selling!

 

[Gelcoater]

Where are they built,Dave?

 

[Uncle Dave]

Where are they built,Dave?

Flo-rida

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Pretty cool that you can have a classic and not have to maintain all the wood.. Like having a modern classic Triumph motorcycle.

Congrats....

 

[RichL]

Huge like!

 

[Flatsix66]

Very cool! Best of luck with your new endeavor.

 

[propcheck]

Wow beautiful

 

[JFMFG]

Badass. Did you take any orders at the show? I really dig them.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Weve got about 10 sold most electrics by people prior to show looking at the rental market, and we got a few dealer orders at the show, im leaving today so one more day to go.

No one expects them to sail off the floor.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

These are beautiful. Gotta get some tuck and roll on those seats.

 

[Taboma]

Uncle Dave,
Those are truly beautiful creations, so I hope you don't mind if I share an opinion.
I grew up in an environment of recreating with and helping my dad maintain what we refer to today as "Classic and Vintage" wooden boats. Various Chris Crafts and others of that era like Century and Bill Nollenberger's Mercury Boats.
I think it's very cool that these similar models are being created out of fiberglass, with the advantage of a lot more Fun with a Whole Lot less Work !!!!
The far more modern straked bottom designs I have no doubt contribute to improved ride comfort, economy and performance.

My singular negative is that the overly exaggerated 'Single Sheet' wood grain appearance is way overboard for my personal liking. This trend is certainly not unique to Lancer, but in all cases at least for me, it loses any resemblance to being real.
I prefer the "Real" and far more subtle grain of Planked Mahogany as an example.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Never fails.. ever.

Those look great UD. Best of luck building this business.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Uncle Dave,
Those are truly beautiful creations, so I hope you don't mind if I share an opinion.
I grew up in an environment of recreating with and helping my dad maintain what we refer to today as "Classic and Vintage" wooden boats. Various Chris Crafts and others of that era like Century and Bill Nollenberger's Mercury Boats.
I think it's very cool that these similar models are being created out of fiberglass, with the advantage of a lot more Fun with a Whole Lot less Work !!!!
The far more modern straked bottom designs I have no doubt contribute to improved ride comfort, economy and performance.

My singular negative is that the overly exaggerated 'Single Sheet' wood grain appearance is way overboard for my personal liking. This trend is certainly not unique to Lancer, but in all cases at least for me, it loses any resemblance to being real.
I prefer the "Real" and far more subtle grain of Planked Mahogany as an example.

View attachment 1322403

The look can be altered to taste, but we know it isnt for everyone.

Its not a product for wood boat guys.
The founder owns approx 50 wood boats and isnt focusing on trying to change anyones mind.

The biggest problem we had was people not realizing they weren't wood even when right on top of them.

 

[lenmann]

Damn those are some beautiful designs. I look at the pics of the Epitome and imagine a quiet midsummer morning at a lakehouse somewhere with that beauty tied at the walk out dock ready for a cruise to start what will be a great day.

Here's the link for those that share a passion for classic lines. And props to Lancer Craft for posting prices, given the current market they don't seem out of line. Best of luck with the new venture @Uncle Dave

Lancer Craft Fiberglass Boats

We at Lancer Craft are a family of craftsmen dedicated to Quality and Service. We pledge our total commitment to our customer’s satisfaction

lancercraft.com

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Wish I would have known you were going to be at the Chicago boat show. I was downtown yesterday and could have used an excuse to stop by the show. It is to freaking cold today... LOL...

Do you have a Midwest dealer?

 

[Desert Whaler]

Very cool !
Showed this to my Pops . . . he was stoked too.
Congrats.

 

[Uncle Dave]

The midwest dealer is pro wake. They are next door neighbors to the founder. On its face its a bit of an odd marriage but the guys were solid and stoked to have the line.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Oops sitting on a plane waiting to leave w almost no connection.

 

[Taboma]

The look can be altered to taste, but we know it isnt for everyone.

The biggest problem we had was people not realizing they weren't wood even when right on top of them.

I notice the model with the black hull and tan interior seems to have a more subtle wood grain appearance.
No question it's a personal taste variable, having a grain option should appeal to a wider ranger of buyers. I think initially when fiberglass builders were attempting to replicate the wood grain appearance, they took the 'More is Better' approach and in doing so I think lost some of the realism in the process.
This is especially true with automobile interior trim pieces.

I think Elite Craft nailed it with the planked look and more subtle grain, assuming you're more into the vintage Chris or Century look. Not sure if Ventnor is still in business,
so you may be in a real niche market currently. The others doing these styles I believe are wood or mostly wood constructed.

Lancer Craft Fiberglass Boats

We at Lancer Craft are a family of craftsmen dedicated to Quality and Service. We pledge our total commitment to our customer’s satisfaction

lancercraft.com

Best of luck

 

[hman442]

Wow is right! Congrats on being involved in such a cool project. Great looking boats, I'm confident success is in your future.

 

[attitude]

Beautiful!

 

[rivermobster]

Very cool. Best of luck!

 

[stephenkatsea]

Very nice. All the best in your new venture.

 

[SBMech]

They look fantastic UD! Wood look without the upkeep...what a great idea!

Best of luck on your new venture buddy!

 

[spectras only]

Congrats on your endeavour Uncle Dave.
The concept is not new. My friend Tony Kazulin have been building his line of boats, the Kavalk and now Kazulin using sharp V fiberglass hulls with mahagony touches. I'd love to have his 25 Adriatic if it wasn;t so damn expensive.
Some pictures here.

this little one, 19 footer is my fave

This one from 1992 was a ocean boat 29; with twin BB.

The crew from 1990

 

[spectras only]

absolute Classics Kelowna BC did the resto on this one. $$$$$$ hagerty insured.

@Uncle Dave

visit BC Canada, I'd arrange a ride in my friend's 1923 dodge brothers 23 Watercraft on skaha Lake. It has a Chrysler Hemi V-8, so no slouch.

 

[playdeep]

Never fails.. ever.

Those look great UD. Best of luck building this business.

Pseudo omnipotent gets kinda old doesn't it...

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Dave those are beautiful. Congrats on being involved.
If one of them makes its way to our neck of the woods please sing out. I would like to see it in person.
Will they be welcome for exhibition at Tahoe for the WB show? You would think so...They are a tribute to the originals.
Beautiful.

 

[spectras only]

Dave those are beautiful. Congrats on being involved.
If one of them makes its way to our neck of the woods please sing out. I would like to see it in person.
Will they be welcome for exhibition at Tahoe for the WB show? You would think so...They are a tribute to the originals.
Beautiful.

Those in Tahoe a bit snotty, unless you know some of them, showing your modern creations.

 

[steamin rice]

I don't know much about that market, but I'll say that they look great to me. Classic lines without the maintenance of wood. Congrats!

 

[mjc]

Will they be at the LA boat show(haha). Really maybe Havasu show.

 

[RiverDave]

What are some of the costs on these?

RD

 

[ToMorrow44]

Super happy to be part of the Lancer Craft Boat team.

Reimagined modern classic boats using art and science to recreate the look of wood with the durability of Fibreglass.

We debuted a full line of new Boats at the Chicago boat show this week.

The boats are Ilmor and electric powered, direct and V drive.

A few have provinance, - Ventnor, Elite craft, Classic which is a Century Coronado

Others are one offs, the Luxe, and the Epitome which have roots one the Riva/ Riviera design.

The electric "Current" is a ground up with a fully molded interior designed for 3 types of power, electric high/low power and gas.

These certainly wont be everyone's cup of tea, but for those seeking a unique product, these are really special.

UD

View attachment 1322341 View attachment 1322342 View attachment 1322343 View attachment 1322344 View attachment 1322346 View attachment 1322348 View attachment 1322349 View attachment 1322350 View attachment 1322351 View attachment 1322352

Congrats UD! Super cool. I’m gonna look into these

 

[ToMorrow44]

What are some of the costs on these?

RD

$200k and up according to the website

 

[Taboma]

Congrats on your endeavour Uncle Dave.
The concept is not new. My friend Tony Kazulin have been building his line of boats, the Kavalk and now Kazulin using sharp V fiberglass hulls with mahagony touches. I'd love to have his 25 Adriatic if it wasn;t so damn expensive.
Some pictures here.
View attachment 1322472
View attachment 1322473
View attachment 1322474
this little one, 19 footer is my fave
View attachment 1322475
This one from 1992 was a ocean boat 29; with twin BB.
View attachment 1322478
View attachment 1322479
View attachment 1322480
The crew from 1990 View attachment 1322483

It appears a low hours 2019 25' rather recently sold for $ 134,000 ---- nice looking boat with a very modern looking composite hull combined with real wood deck and all custom fittings, seems like a screaming deal.

25 Feet 2019 Kavalk - 40568 | Antique Boat America

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

Even the welded aluminum trailers are bitchin. The little things like that make the difference

 

[Gelcoater]

UncleDave,
What kind of performance are we talking about Ilmor powered?
Is that the V drive situation?
I’d assume the electrics are direct like I’ve seen a couple others?
Of the couple of new I heard run Ilmor engines sound nasty

Serious style points you guys.
Going to any so cal shows in 24?

 

[Dkahnjob]

Those boats are beautiful and absolutely the best of both worlds.
Good luck on the new endeavor.

 

[spectras only]

It appears a low hours 2019 25' rather recently sold for $ 134,000 ---- nice looking boat with a very modern looking composite hull combined with real wood deck and all custom fittings, seems like a screaming deal.

25 Feet 2019 Kavalk - 40568 | Antique Boat America

View attachment 1322587

way back, Tony had the 29 Kavalks on display in Monaco and in Japan at boatshows. They are rare brcause of the low production numbers. Around sixty 19 foot Kavalk Classics were made, sixteen 29 footers, He built about 6 25 footers when he was still in Vancouver. If I remember correctly, the 19 Riva he restored were shown in Tahoe. He has been inspired by Riva, being exposed to those hence he's from Croatia. He lives in Ontario, catering to Muskoka cottage country wooden boat owners, doing restorations on many of his Kavalk Classics ended up there over the decades.
You guys would be impressed seeing this 29 from the early 90's, after Tony restored it for an American client. I rode these and it looks a feels fantastic on the water. It looks so different from the unrestored one I posted above. I wonder if anyone here knows the present owner

 

[TonyFanelli]

Super happy to be part of the Lancer Craft Boat team.

Reimagined modern classic boats using art and science to recreate the look of wood with the durability of Fibreglass.

We debuted a full line of new Boats at the Chicago boat show this week.

The boats are Ilmor and electric powered, direct and V drive.

A few have provinance, - Ventnor, Elite craft, Classic which is a Century Coronado

Others are one offs, the Luxe, and the Epitome which have roots one the Riva/ Riviera design.

The electric "Current" is a ground up with a fully molded interior designed for 3 types of power, electric high/low power and gas.

These certainly wont be everyone's cup of tea, but for those seeking a unique product, these are really special.

UD

View attachment 1322341 View attachment 1322342 View attachment 1322343 View attachment 1322344 View attachment 1322346 View attachment 1322348 View attachment 1322349 View attachment 1322350 View attachment 1322351 View attachment 1322352

You gonna be at the Denver Boat show?

 

[Ace in the Hole]

It appears a low hours 2019 25' rather recently sold for $ 134,000 ---- nice looking boat with a very modern looking composite hull combined with real wood deck and all custom fittings, seems like a screaming deal.

25 Feet 2019 Kavalk - 40568 | Antique Boat America

View attachment 1322587

Something like this is what I want sooner than later. just wow.

 

[Uncle Dave]

I notice the model with the black hull and tan interior seems to have a more subtle wood grain appearance.
No question it's a personal taste variable, having a grain option should appeal to a wider ranger of buyers. I think initially when fiberglass builders were attempting to replicate the wood grain appearance, they took the 'More is Better' approach and in doing so I think lost some of the realism in the process.
This is especially true with automobile interior trim pieces.

I think Elite Craft nailed it with the planked look and more subtle grain, assuming you're more into the vintage Chris or Century look. Not sure if Ventnor is still in business,
so you may be in a real niche market currently. The others doing these styles I believe are wood or mostly wood constructed.

Lancer Craft Fiberglass Boats

We at Lancer Craft are a family of craftsmen dedicated to Quality and Service. We pledge our total commitment to our customer’s satisfaction

lancercraft.com

Best of luck

The " Elite" is an Elite Craft.
We bought all the Elite Craft Molds and IP from the (Smith?) family and have the original glass/veil guy that worked for them.
Any finish you ever saw on an Elite craft can be duplicated and it's likely the guy we have did it.

We are Ventnor now.
We also bought all the Ventnor IP and whatever molds there were.
We have an original Ventnor race boat that was was splashed to make molds from because much of the old boats were wood.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Dave those are beautiful. Congrats on being involved.
If one of them makes its way to our neck of the woods please sing out. I would like to see it in person.
Will they be welcome for exhibition at Tahoe for the WB show? You would think so...They are a tribute to the originals.
Beautiful.

We're debating this (as the master debaters lol).

We did a soft launch of the company last summer at the Sunny Land wooden boat show in Florida and got the mixed reviews we expected to get from the hardcore woodies. Some guys loved them others said we had no place there.

We suspect that if we did go we're going to be relegated to the parking lot vs on the water.

Thanks sir!

 

[Uncle Dave]

Will they be at the LA boat show(haha). Really maybe Havasu show.

We'll have the electric boat the " Current" at the LA boat show and maybe one other boat, but probably only one.

That particular boat was built for and is targeting the Duffy rental market and we have a specific group of clientele to tour it around to before and after.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Even the welded aluminum trailers are bitchin. The little things like that make the difference

Thanks.
We're moderately happy with the nextrail trailers.
In my opinion there is some stuff shackled that should be welded, but I'm a trailer snob.

 

[Taboma]

The " Elite" is an Elite Craft.
We bought all the Elite Craft Molds and IP from the (Smith?) family and have the original glass/veil guy that worked for them.
Anything finish you ever saw on an Elite craft can be duplicated and it's likely the guy we have did it.

We are Ventnor now.
We also bought all the Ventnor IP and whatever molds there were.
We have an original Ventnor race boat that was was splashed to make molds from because much of the old boats were wood.


View attachment 1322764 View attachment 1322765

Thank you for that update. I'd noticed the Ventnor and Elite names, but didn't connect the acquisition or either company. That's going to limit the competition in that relatively limited market of selective buyers.
Is that white hulled boat with the hatches open behind the Ventnor a retro, or restored 19' Racing Chris Craft ? I can't tell if there's a 2nd seat behind the front or the hatch with the rear jump seat like the Chris 19' ? But the deck and hull sure appear the same.

 

[Uncle Dave]

UncleDave,
What kind of performance are we talking about Ilmor powered?
Is that the V drive situation?
I’d assume the electrics are direct like I’ve seen a couple others?
Of the couple of new I heard run Ilmor engines sound nasty

Serious style points you guys.
Going to any so cal shows in 24?

Still playing around with props on all them to be honest.
Most are running between 50 and 60 and over revving.

The ilmors and their trans are killer. Super well built LS stuff.

The electric is what we are calling a low speed electric and has a 20 HP ELCO in it this one has about an 8 hour run time and 400AH of lithium Ion batts in it.
It's a 10MPH cruiser. We designed the electric to take a a small block as well, or high powered electric.
We want to try the 100 HP electric and see if we can get it on plane, and then how long we can keep it on plane with 4 LI's.

Thanks - we'll be in LA in March with the Current and maybe take it to Ventura for the on the water show.