Ventnor Boatworks Review

The Ventnor Boatworks opened its doors in 1902. Founded by Adolph Apel, Ventnor began by creating a concept for the development of custom speedboats. The design team in the 1930’s patented the 3-point suspension hull still used in today’s current racing vessels. During World War II, Ventnor moved to a facility in Alantic City, New Jersey and shifted focus to combat ships. The company built air-sea recur boats for the Army and sub-chasers for the Navy. In 1946, they received the Army-Navy “E” award for service.

Modern day Ventnor and owner Dick Thede, concentrate on custom built 1940’s-era runabouts. This firm has a reputation for creating antique or Art Deco style crafts. Ventnor’s motto reads, “Custom build only a personal type of water craft for the very discriminating few who will not settle for today’s mass-produce products.”

Ventnor currently carries only one design, the Ventnor Vagabond, defined as the Gentlemen’s Runabout. This is a 20-footer custom built based on specifications from clients. The Vagabond has a stainless steel shaft, G.M. 350 motor and 26.00 cu. ft. foam floatation. It seats six people and carries 40 gallons of fuel. The hull, constructed of fiberglass, carries a branding made with a molded-in boot stripe and bottom colors. Solid mahogany planking covers the fiberglass deck. An online review by Wooden Classic states the Ventnor Vagabond is a voluptuous sculpture, a beautiful presentation of forties art.

Pricing

This company carries only one design, The Vagabond, and customize each boat. Pricing will vary per order. A 2000 pre-owned Vagabond’s runs around $60,000.

Pros

• If you enjoy an artistic look, the mahogany paneling of this boat will be a plus.
• The reviews of the Vagabond are beaming and concentrate on the styling and forties décor.

Cons

• This company only offers one design.
• The boat is small, with no sleeping accommodations. It will not sustain a long sea voyage, but is useful for day cruising only.

Featured Models

20-foot Ventnor Vagabond

Conclusion

Ventnor Boatworks is an organization that builds antique reproduction mahogany boats based on designs from well-known creator, Adolph Apel. The Apel family holds patents for many of the works created by their ancestor. The one and only design listed in the Ventnor portfolio is a rare vessel made of fiberglass covered with mahogany planking. If you are searching for an art deco style watercraft, Ventnor has a solid reputation. However, if seeking a luxury cruise yacht, this group does not seem to have a facility or design team working for that purpose.