Ventnor Ventnor 20' Anniversary Edition

Ultimate exclusivity! A beautiful modern interpretation of the classic Ventnor, built by Ventnor Boat Works of Harrison, TN. Impeccable workmanship using only the finest techniques and materials. Made to order on a slot-purchase basis these runabouts take four months to construct on a limited basis of 10 per year. Hand rubbed mahogany and supple leather interiors bring glory years looks to these stout built fiberglass boats. This is a one owner example ready for a new home. This is one of the very rare vessels that won't depreciate like all the others. This vessel has never been in salt water. Comes with custom aluminum trailer and shipping isavailable.Quote from PopularMechanicsarticle:No other boat company does this. The others use standard-length molding strips with butt joints. The massive 60-pound chrome-plated, solid-brass bow breastplate alone costs $1360 to cast and plate.

Thede's attention to detail borders on the fanatical. Take the banjo steering wheel. To get the exact look of the original, with the horn button in the center, he uses 32 separate components, many of which he has to have cast. The mahogany rim is made in Mexico, the steel banjo spokes come from Italy, and the shell of the hub is produced in California. Thede puts it all together. The more than 700 exterior screws and bolts all are hand polished.

The old Ventnors had a flat bottom that beat you up pretty badly. They also rode nose high because of the steep 19 drive shaft angle. Thede uses a more current design: a modified V hull custom designed by a leading naval architect for a smooth, dry ride with responsive handling. The drive shaft angle is reduced to 12 so the boat planes dead flat. A small-block Chevy or Ford direct inboard resides where the old Gray Marine or Chrysler flathead Six or Eight abided. The 3000-pound runabout will hit about 55 to 58 mph.

Each boat takes about five months to build. Production capacity stands at 12 boats per year, and there's a 7-month waiting list.

Because each boat is a custom, prices vary depending on how it is equipped. Ventnors go out the door anywhere from the high 60s to the low 90s, the average being in the high 70s to low 80s bracket.

You can get more information on Ventnor, in Harrison, Tenn., by calling phone. Thede doesn't advertise--the boats sell themselves. Go see one for yourself, as we did at theFort Lauderdale Boat Show. We dare you to resist its seductive power.

Cash in person or wire transfer accepted.

Quote from PopularMechanicsarticle:No other boat company does this. The others use standard-length molding strips with butt joints. The massive 60-pound chrome-plated, solid-brass bow breastplate alone costs $1360 to cast and plate.Cash in person or wire transfer accepted.