The Revival of Classic Craftsmanship: Century Coronado Wooden Boats Inspire Lancer Craft’s Modern Fiberglass Designs
In the golden era of the 50s and 60s, Century Coronado wooden boats were the epitome of nautical elegance and strength. Known as a “pulling workhorse,” these boats combined impressive performance with unparalleled style. Their influence is still felt today, particularly in the design of the Classic, a classic fiberglass, woodgrain boat by Lancer Craft Boats. Let’s take a look at the unique features of the Century Coronado that inspired Lancer’s recreation of these iconic vessels in a modern classic fiberglass format.
The Century Coronado, produced in wood from 1955-1968, is renowned for its robust construction and timeless appeal. Its distinguishing features – the Chrysler Golden Lion 325 engine, antique aesthetics, and suitability for day-cruising and overnight stays – made it a beloved choice among boating enthusiasts. It was these characteristics that caught the eye of Lancer Craft Boats, inspiring them to recreate this classic in a modern tribute to this classic boat.
The Lancer Craft Classic, with its striking resemblance to the Century Coronado, is more than just a boat. It’s a tribute to an era of timeless elegance and robust craftsmanship. The original Century Coronado boats were renowned for their distinctive blend of functionality and style, a concept that Lancer has brilliantly encapsulated in their modern rendition.
Yet, it is in the incorporation of modern technology where Lancer truly excels. Unlike the original Century Coronado boats, which ceased using wood in favor of fiberglass in 1967, Lancer’s boats are 100% composite construction from bow to stern. This not only increases their durability but also makes them easier to maintain, providing a practical solution for those who love the look of classic wooden boats but prefer the convenience of modern materials.
This tribute to the Century Coronado wouldn’t be complete without a nod to its hallmark feature, the powerful Chrysler Golden Lion 325 engine. Lancer Craft, in their quest for authenticity and performance, has made an exceptional choice in adopting a similarly robust engine for their Classic fiberglass boat. But this isn’t just any engine; it’s a state-of-the-art powertrain from Ilmor Engineering’s Marine line.
Ilmor Engineering is an independent high-performance motor racing engineering company with over 25 years of history in the racing world. Their reputation for creating high-performance engines for racing, marine, and motorcycle applications is well-earned and globally recognized. In fact, their engineering prowess and outstanding performance have powered Indy-winning vehicles, marking them as leaders in the field.
Lancer Craft’s Classic fiberglass boat now boasts an engine from Ilmor’s marine line, ensuring the vessel’s performance matches, if not surpasses, its aesthetic appeal. This strategic collaboration marries Lancer’s commitment to classic design and modern functionality with Ilmor’s expertise in high-performance engineering. The result is a boat that’s not only visually stunning but also delivers unparalleled performance on the water.
In essence, the Lancer Craft Classic is a perfect harmony of old-world charm and forward-thinking design. It pays homage to the iconic Century Coronado while embracing the benefits of modern technology, resulting in a vessel that is both nostalgic and progressive. It’s a testament to the enduring allure of classic wooden boats, reimagined for the modern age.