Ventnor: Born to Run

Ventnor Boats always had racing in their DNA. Known for building fast runabouts, hydroplanes, and sporty family boats, their shop just outside Atlantic City turned out some of the sleekest hulls of the era. One standout is this rare 20-foot racing runabout, built in 1947.

Though she no longer competes—even in Vintage classes—she still lights up the water with spirited runs at classic shows like St. Michaels, Buffalo, or Clayton. And when she does, heads turn. Built just after World War II, she’s a true early inboard speedster—crafted before the fiberglass boom and the rise of outboards. Her light wood construction, signature bobtail stern, and fin slicing through the water are pure postwar go-fast attitude.

This boat wasn’t just built to look fast—she was born to race. That lightweight construction, though, has required care and restoration over the years to keep her show-ready and safe at speed. Ventnor’s roots stretch back to 1902, when Adolph E. Apel founded the company. Apel and his son pushed speed boundaries early—his designs include the first documented race boat to break 60 MPH, way back in 1913. From then on, Ventnor boats were a force in multiple racing classes.

Today, this boat is a rolling tribute to that legacy. Watch for her at Vintage and Classic boating events—she’s still got plenty of speed in her soul.

Documentarian Chris Brown brcwb@aol.com