Coronado Yachts holds a notable, albeit complex, place in American fiberglass sailboat history. Often intertwined with the larger narrative of Columbia Yachts and the early entrepreneurial ventures of Catalina Yachts founder Frank Butler, Coronado produced a range of popular cruising sailboats during the 1960s and early 1970s, making yachting accessible to a broader audience.
The genesis of Coronado Yachts traces back to a company initially known as Wesco (or Wesco Marine), which began producing boats around 1962. This early venture caught the attention of Frank Butler, a burgeoning boatbuilder who would later establish the highly successful Catalina Yachts. When Wesco encountered financial difficulties, Butler acquired the company, reportedly stepping in to complete his own yacht that he had ordered from them.
While some sources indicate Frank Butler founded Coronado Yachts in 1961, others state he changed Wesco Marine into Coronado Yachts in 1966, after building 126 Victory 21s, which were among Wesco's initial offerings. Regardless of the exact transitional date, the Aurora and the Victory 21 were the first two models released under this early iteration.
History and Evolution
The mid-1960s marked a period of rapid expansion for the nascent Coronado brand. By 1965, the Avalon 25 and the Coronado 25 were being built, with the latter notably being one of Frank Butler's own designs, co-developed with Ed Edgar. Two years later, the Coronado 22 and 34 were added to the growing fleet.
A significant turning point occurred in 1968 when Coronado Yachts was sold to the Whittaker Corporation, a conglomerate that had previously acquired Columbia Yachts. Following this acquisition, Frank Butler departed the company to embark on what would become Catalina Yachts.
Under Whittaker's ownership, Coronado largely operated as an "alternative brand" to Columbia Yachts. Initially, Coronado boats were manufactured at a plant in Costa Mesa, California, while larger models were produced at one of Columbia's facilities in Virginia. The early 1970s saw a consolidation of their offerings. By 1970, models like the Aurora, Victory 21, Avalon 25, and Coronado 22 were phased out from the Coronado lineup, though variations of the Victory 21 continued to be built by Catalina for several years. The refreshed fleet included the Coronado 23, 25, 27, 30, and 34. The Coronado 35, based on a Columbia version, was introduced in 1971, followed by the Coronado 41 (a 'stretched' version of the 35) in 1972, and the Coronado 32 in 1973.
By 1974, the separate Coronado manufacturing plant ceased operations, and all subsequent Coronado-badged boats, such as the Coronado 45, were built by Columbia, often utilizing Columbia molds. For instance, the Coronado 28 was based on an earlier Columbia hull. The Coronado nameplate continued to be used by Columbia Yachts until 1976, with the Coronado 35 being the final model built under the brand. Columbia Yachts itself continued production into the early 1980s.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Coronado Yachts earned a reputation for producing popular sailboats during its relatively brief existence in the 1960s and early 1970s. Their boats were generally known as accessible cruisers, often designed with features that appealed to a broad segment of the sailing public. Many of the smaller models, such as the Coronado 25, were trailerable, making them versatile and appealing to those seeking an easy-to-manage yacht.
Frank Butler's early influence is evident, particularly with the Coronado 25, which he co-designed with Ed Edgar. While Butler reportedly sought designs from Sparkman & Stephens, they declined, leading him to develop designs in-house. The company did collaborate with other notable naval architects: William Crealock designed the Coronado 23, and William H. Tripp Jr. was responsible for the design of the Coronado 35.
Coronado models were generally recognized for their practical design. For example, the Coronado 34 was described as a moderately weighted sailboat offering reasonable performance, noted for being very stable and stiff, with good righting capabilities if capsized. This emphasis on stability and a comfortable cruising experience became a hallmark of the brand.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its production run, Coronado Yachts introduced several significant models that became popular among sailors:
- Victory 21: One of the earliest models, initially produced by Wesco Marine, Frank Butler built 126 of these before establishing Wesco Marine. The design proved resilient, with varying iterations continuing to be built by Catalina Yachts for many years.
- Coronado 25: This model, designed by Frank Butler and Ed Edgar, was the first notable boat design for Butler and became a highly successful trailerable cruiser. Produced from 1966 to 1975, it was a cornerstone of the Coronado line.
- Coronado 34: Known for its good performance and stability, the Coronado 34 was a popular cruiser in its size range.
- Coronado 35: Designed by William H. Tripp Jr., this model debuted in 1971 and was the last design produced under the Coronado nameplate before the brand was retired in 1976.
The legacy of Coronado Yachts lies in its contribution to making fiberglass sailboats more affordable and accessible to the general public during the formative years of the fiberglass boat industry. While the brand itself was short-lived and eventually absorbed into Columbia Yachts, its models provided a stepping stone for many aspiring sailors.
The Builder Today
The Coronado Yachts brand ceased production in 1976 when Columbia Yachts discontinued the nameplate. As such, there is no active "Coronado Yachts" builder today. However, the boats themselves continue to have a presence on the used boat market, appealing to those seeking classic fiberglass cruisers that offer good value.
While the original Wesco Marine, the boatbuilding entity Frank Butler acquired, no longer operates independently, it's worth noting that a company named Wesco continues to exist as a supplier to Catalina Yachts. This, however, refers to a distinct entity from the original boat manufacturer, as other "Wesco" companies have a much longer history as industrial suppliers.
Despite the brand's discontinuation decades ago, a community of Coronado owners persists, with online forums and resources dedicated to maintaining and enjoying these classic vessels. The enduring appeal of Coronado yachts stems from their reputation as solid, stable, and relatively simple cruising boats that introduced many to the joys of sailing.
