As a brief but impactful player in the Canadian yachting scene, Goman Boat Ltd. carved out a niche for performance-oriented racer/cruiser sailboats. Though its operational period was short-lived, the company, founded by seasoned marine professionals, left a notable legacy through its distinctive designs and commitment to quality.
Goman Boat Ltd. was established in 1981 in Midland, Ontario, Canada, a location renowned for its boatbuilding heritage. The company was the brainchild of Bill Goman and the highly respected naval architect, Steve Killing. Both founders brought a wealth of experience from their previous roles at the iconic Canadian yacht builder, C&C Yachts. Steve Killing, in particular, had served as an in-house designer for C&C Yachts before venturing out to establish his own design firm. Their vision for Goman Boat Ltd. aimed to produce sailing vessels that blended performance capabilities with comfortable cruising amenities, appealing to yachtsmen who dreamt of racing but primarily used their boats for leisure. One of their early, perhaps first, models was the Goman 20, a 20-foot vessel featuring a cabin and a full keel, designed to be an affordable yet complete yacht for owners.
History and Evolution
Goman Boat Ltd.'s history is characterized by a rapid evolution and a significant corporate change early in its tenure. Soon after its founding in 1981, Goman Boat Ltd. merged with Express Yachts. This consolidation led to the boats being known as "Express" models, with Steve Killing's early commissions after departing C&C Yachts directly benefiting Express Yachts (then Goman Boat). The company operated from its address on Victoria Street On The Bay in Midland, Ontario.
Despite the promising start and the pedigree of its founders, Goman Boat Ltd.'s independent operation under its original name was relatively brief, concluding in 1985. Following this period, the company's identity and production continued under the Express Yachting name, indicating a transformation rather than a complete cessation of the boatbuilding efforts initiated by Goman.
Design Philosophy and Identity
The reputation of Goman Boat Ltd., and subsequently Express Yachts, in the sailing world was primarily built on its focus on high-performance racer/cruiser sailboats. The vessels were crafted as fiberglass monohulls, a material choice that was standard for production boats of the era, offering a good balance of strength, weight, and cost-effectiveness.
At the heart of Goman's design philosophy was Steve Killing, a naval architect known for his elegant and high-performance watercraft. Killing's work for Goman Boat Ltd. and Express Yachts emphasized designs that, while capable of speed and competitive racing, also catered to the practical needs of cruising sailors. His expertise extended to America's Cup design, lending significant credibility to the performance aspects of the Goman and Express lines. This blend of racing pedigree with cruising comfort became a hallmark of the brand.
Iconic Models and Legacy
During its short production run from 1981 to 1985, Goman Boat Ltd., and later Express Yachts, introduced several significant models that left their mark on the Canadian yachting market. The most prominent among these were the Express 20, Express 30, and Express 35.
The Goman Express 30 stands out as a particularly successful model, characterized as a fiberglass monohull racer/cruiser. Designed by Steve Killing in November 1981, production of the Express 30 commenced in June 1982. This model measured just under 30 feet in overall length (29' 11" or 9.1 m) and featured a fin keel with a 5-foot draft. Examples of the Express 30 can still be found on the used boat market today, a testament to their enduring design and construction.
Another notable design was the Express 35, also penned by Steve Killing in 1983. This larger model had a displacement of approximately 11,500 lbs (5,216 kg) and was available with a shoal draft option of 5.40 feet (1.65 m) or a tall rig configuration. The range of models built by Goman Boat Ltd. generally spanned from 6.1 meters (20 feet) to 10.6 meters (35 feet).
While Goman Boat Ltd. did not undertake high-profile special projects like America's Cup boats under its own name, its principal designer, Steve Killing, was indeed an America's Cup designer, and this expertise clearly influenced the performance characteristics of the Goman and Express yachts. The company's legacy is found in the robust and performance-oriented fiberglass yachts that continue to be sailed by owners today.
The Builder Today
Goman Boat Ltd. ceased operations under that name in 1985, with the production and branding transitioning entirely to Express Yachts. Thus, there is no "Goman Boat Ltd." in operation today in the traditional sense. However, the boats themselves—the Goman Express 30, 35, and other models—continue to be valued on the pre-owned market.
These yachts typically appeal to sailors seeking a balanced racer/cruiser that offers both respectable performance and comfortable accommodations for coastal or even some offshore cruising. There is an active community of owners who maintain and enjoy these classic Canadian-built sailboats, often seeking to document the history of individual hulls and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The enduring presence of these boats in various marinas and their availability through yacht brokers are strong indicators of their lasting appeal and the quality of their original design and construction.
