Color images courtesy of Chippewa Boatworks
Chippewa Boatworks of Seville, Ohio, has developed a new boat based on vintage Lyman designs of the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. (photo below) The new boat measures 16′6″ LOA, and comes in runabout (above), tender, and center-console models.
The watercraft built by Lyman Boats are renowned for their quality, durability, and timeless style. The company was established in 1875 by Bernard and Herman Lyman in Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Sandusky, Ohio in 1928, and quickly gained recognition for producing high-quality wooden boats that could withstand the rigors of the Great Lakes. Initially focusing on fishing boats and pleasure craft, Lyman eventually expanded and diversified its lineup to include everything from sleek runabouts to spacious cruisers, all bearing a signature blend of handcrafted excellence and practical design. Though the company ceased wooden boat production in the 1970s, the legacy of Lyman Boats endures, with many examples lovingly preserved and cherished by collectors and aficionados. As Peter Spectre wrote in “Lyman Legend” (see WB No. 82), “Anybody who had an appreciation for powerboats of any kind had a Lyman, wanted a Lyman, knew someone who had a Lyman, or was saving up his money to buy a Lyman.”