Lippincott Boat Works was founded in 1946 by brothers Robert and Howard Lippincott in Riverton, New Jersey, USA. The Lippincott brothers hailed from a family deeply ingrained in sailing, and their passion for the sport was evident from the outset. Both Robert and Howard were accomplished sailors, with notable victories in the highly competitive Star class; Robert was a Star North American Championship Champion in 1953, and Howard followed suit in 1956. This deep personal involvement in racing directly shaped their original vision: to build high-quality, high-performance one-design racing yachts. While details of their very first boat are not widely publicized, their immediate focus on established racing classes set the stage for their future impact.
History and Evolution
Throughout its operational years, from 1946 to 1986, Lippincott Boat Works navigated significant changes in the marine industry. A pivotal moment in the company's history came in the late 1950s when the Lippincotts emerged at the forefront of the industry's transition from traditional wood construction to fiberglass. This forward-thinking embrace of new materials not only demonstrated their innovative spirit but also established their fiberglass boats as the standard for excellence within the classes they built. Their ability to stay ahead of three decades of change, including adopting weight-saving designs, marked them as a dynamic and adaptive builder.
In the early 1980s, Lippincott broadened its horizons by venturing into the construction of larger cruising yachts, producing models like the Lippincott 30 and Lippincott 36. Despite this expansion, the company ceased operations, closing its doors around 1985 or 1986.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Lippincott Boat Works carved out a formidable reputation in the sailing world, primarily as a premier builder of one-design racing yachts. Their vessels were consistently found at the head of the fleet in both national and international competitions, underscoring their commitment to performance and quality. The company was renowned for its meticulous construction techniques, particularly as pioneers in fiberglass, and their designs were often characterized by weight-saving innovations.
A notable aspect of Lippincott's design philosophy was their reliance on in-house talent for certain models. For instance, the Lippincott 30 and Lippincott 36 were designed by Howard Lippincott Jr., highlighting the family's continuing influence and expertise in naval architecture within the company.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Lippincott Boat Works is best known for its significant contributions to the one-design racing circuits. Their most iconic and successful models include the Lightning, Star, and Comet. Hundreds of these boats were produced, and they became a staple of racing fleets across the country. The Comet, in particular, was considered one of the most successful boats built by Lippincott after the Lightning. These classes represent the core of Lippincott's legacy, establishing a standard for competitive, well-built racing dinghies and small keelboats.
In a departure from their racing focus, the early 1980s saw the introduction of the Lippincott 30 and Lippincott 36. The Lippincott 30, built between 1979 and 1986, was one of the company's rare cruiser models, recognized for its comfortable accommodations and excellent sailing characteristics. Similarly, the Lippincott 36, introduced in 1985, was lauded as a moderate-weight, high-performing sailboat known for its stability and stiffness. These larger yachts showcased the builder's versatility and ability to apply their construction prowess to more comfortable cruising platforms.
The Builder Today
Lippincott Boat Works is no longer in business, having concluded its operations in 1986. Despite its closure, the company's impact on the marine industry, particularly in the realm of one-design racing and the early adoption of fiberglass, remains significant. Lippincott boats, especially the Lightning, Star, and Comet, are still sailed and cherished by a dedicated community of owners and enthusiasts. The enduring presence of their vessels on the used boat market is a testament to the quality and durability of their construction. The legacy of Lippincott Boat Works lives on through the continued racing and enjoyment of the boats they so meticulously crafted.
