Description:
The XLNC is a sleek and elegant racing vessel, instantly recognizable by its low-slung profile and mirror-polished mahogany decks. Designed with a performance-tuned cockpit and a stable, high-speed beam, the Runabout offers an exhilarating and secure environment for high-speed runs or sunset cruises. Its aesthetic is one of 'aggressive 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:
- Performance-tuned lapstrake (clinker-built) hull for high-speed stability
- Dual-cockpit layout with luxury seating
- Classic raked windshield with polished frames
- High-performance inboard or outboard propulsion
Dimension:
- Length Overall (LOA): 18 ft
- Beam: Approx. 6.2 ft
- Draft: Approx. 1.6ft
- Passenger Capacity: Typically 4 persons
- Original Power: High-output V8 inboard or racing outboard
Performance & Use: Designed for adrenaline and confident cruising, the XLNC excels on large lakes and protected river reaches. Its hull is engineered to track straight at speed and remain exceptionally dry, offering a smooth, stable platform for high-performance social entertaining. It remains the ultimate choice for those who appreciate a 'user-friendly' classic with a high-octane pedigree.
This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Atkin, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order-offering both full-size boats and finely detailed scale models.
History:
The XLNC (Excellence) is a hallmark of the 'Gentleman's Speedster' era, representing the peak of high-performance wooden runabouts. Born from the competitive spirit of the mid-20th century, the XLNC was refined to be a vessel of pure speed and surgical precision. It represents the transition from utility to adrenaline-built for the boater who viewed the lake as a racetrack and demanded a vessel that looked as fast as it felt.
Celebrated for its razor-sharp handling and 'on-rails' tracking, the XLNC was the preferred choice for the elite pilot who valued performance and prestige. Unlike the heavier family cruisers of the era, the XLNC's lapstrake design acted as a lightweight shell that maximized the power of its engine, providing a level of thrill that few competitors could match. This legacy of dependability and high-quality craftsmanship has made the XLNC one of the most prestigious names in the history of wooden boating.