Lyman Runabout 16ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

The Lyman Runabout is a timeless and elegant utility vessel, instantly recognizable by its rhythmic lapstrake hull and warm, varnished decks. Designed with a deep, spacious cockpit and a stable beam, the Runabout offers a secure and inviting environment for family outings or sunset cruises. Its aesthetic is one of understated luxury-emphasizing clean lines, functional hardware, and the natural beauty of high-grade wood. Our workshop builds faithful recreations using premium marine Mahogany, Western Red Cedar, and Teak-reinforced with fiberglass cloth and sealed with high-grade marine epoxy. Each boat is handcrafted using authentic lapstrake (clinker) methods, with each plank meticulously fitted and finished with multiple coats of marine spar varnish to achieve deep gloss and long-lasting protection. The interior is updated with modern marine-grade vinyls while retaining the period-correct aesthetic and polished hardware. Typical build time ranges from 3-4 months depending on customization. General Characteristics: - Traditional lapstrake (clinker-built) hull for superior wave handling - Open-cockpit layout with versatile bench or back-to-back seating - Classic raked windshield with polished frames - Reliable inboard propulsion system - Seating capacity: typically 6-8 persons Dimension: - Length Overall (LOA): 16ft - Beam: Approx. 6.6ft - Draft: Approx. 2ft - Passenger Capacity: Typically 5-6 persons - Original Power: Inline 6-cylinder inboard Performance & Use: Designed for comfort and confident cruising, the Lyman Runabout excels on large lakes and coastal bays. Its hull is engineered to track straight and remain exceptionally dry, offering a smooth, stable platform for social entertaining or leisurely exploration. It remains the ultimate choice for those who appreciate a "user-friendly" classic with a rich maritime pedigree. Disclaimer: This boat was designed by Lyman Boat Works. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lyman Boat Works. Contact us today! The Lyman Runabout is the definitive icon of American lapstrake boatbuilding, born from the waters of Lake Erie and refined over nearly a century. Established in 1875, the Lyman Boat Works became world-renowned for its "Clinker-built" construction, which utilized overlapping wooden planks to create a hull that was exceptionally strong, flexible, and seaworthy. The Runabout models of the 1940s and 50s were the brand's most celebrated offerings, striking a perfect balance between a rugged utility vessel and a polished family cruiser. Celebrated for their "soft ride" in choppy conditions, Lyman Runabouts were the preferred choice for boaters who valued stability and dry decks over pure racing speed. Unlike the smooth-sided mahogany speedboats of the era, the Lyman's lapstrake design acted as a natural shock absorber, dispersing waves and providing a level of comfort that few competitors could match. This legacy of dependable, high-quality craftsmanship has made the Lyman Runabout one of the most beloved and collectible names in the history of wooden boating.