Thompson Sea Lancer 17 Ft. Custom Built Wooden Boat

The Thompson Sea Lancer is a robust and commanding classic cruiser, instantly recognizable by its flared bow, high sides, and expansive open cockpit. Designed with a focus on seaworthiness and interior volume, the Sea Lancer provides a stable and versatile platform for serious fishing trips, family camping, or coastal commuting. Its aesthetic reflects a 'form-follows-function' philosophy-blending classic mid-century styling with heavy-duty hardware and a powerful, purposeful stance. 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 4-6 months depending on customization. General Characteristics: - Heavy-duty lapstrake (Sea-Skiff) hull for exceptional stability in big water - Extra-wide open cockpit with high freeboard for safety - Classic wraparound windshield with sturdy support frames - Configured for powerful outboard or stern-drive propulsion Dimension: - Length Overall (LOA): 17ft - Beam: Approx. 7ft - Draft: Approx. 1.6ft - Passenger Capacity: Typically 7-9 persons - Original Power: Single or dual outboard motors (up to 150hp) Performance & Use: Engineered for stability and volume, the Thompson Sea Lancer excels in choppy open waters and large coastal bays. Its flared bow is designed to deflect spray and keep the interior dry, while its wide beam provides a rock-solid platform at rest or under power. It remains the ultimate choice for those seeking a 'workhorse' classic that combines historic charm with genuine offshore capability. Disclaimer: Our Thompson Sea Lancer 17 Ft is inspired by Thompson Brothers Boat Manufacturing Company. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thompson Brothers Boat Manufacturing Company. Contact us today! The Thompson Sea Lancer is a towering figure in the history of American family boating, hailing from the famous Thompson Bros. Boat Mfg. Co. of Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Developed during the mid-1950s, the Sea Lancer was the flagship of the Thompson fleet, embodying their signature 'Sea-Skiff' lapstrake construction. This method utilized full-length brass fasteners and flexible marine sealants between overlapping planks, creating a hull that was famously durable, 'tight,' and capable of handling the heavy swells of the Great Lakes. Celebrated for its impressive beam and high freeboard, the Sea Lancer was the go-to choice for offshore fishermen and coastal cruisers who required a more substantial vessel. While competitors focused on smaller lake craft, Thompson engineered the Sea Lancer to provide a 'big water' feel, offering a sense of safety and volume that redefined the outboard cruiser category. This legacy of rugged reliability and spacious design has cemented the Thompson Sea Lancer as a premier icon for vintage wooden boat enthusiasts today.