Nickels Boat Works, Inc. officially commenced operations in 1981, specializing in the construction of popular one-design racing boats. However, the Nickels name in boat building stretches back further, with a history of quality craftsmanship spanning over 60 years by the time of its 2015 merger. Dave Nickels is a prominent figure associated with the company, known as a former builder and a national champion in the sailing community, suggesting a deep personal connection to competitive sailing and boat construction. The company's early focus was firmly rooted in creating sailboats for strict one-design classes, where the emphasis is on the sailor's skill rather than technological advantage or boat speed.
While the "Inc." entity began in 1981, the legacy of Nickels in fiberglass boat building is notable, particularly with the Rebel. The Rebel 16, a design that predates the company's 1981 incorporation, is believed to be one of the first fiberglass sailboats, built by Nickels Boat Works Inc.. This highlights an early adoption and mastery of fiberglass construction, a pivotal material transition in the marine industry.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1981, Nickels Boat Works, Inc. established itself as a dedicated builder of high-quality one-design racing sailboats. The company's history is marked by its consistent production of competitive and well-regarded boats for some of the most active racing classes. Nickels Boat Works became known for its precision in building hulls that met stringent class specifications, allowing for fair and exciting racing.
A significant milestone in the company's evolution occurred on December 31, 2015, when Nickels Boat Works International merged with WindRider International. This strategic move saw Nickels Boat Works transition into the manufacturing division for WindRider, consolidating their expertise in boat production. This merger broadened their product offerings beyond traditional monohull one-designs to include WindRider's line of trimarans.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Nickels Boat Works has cultivated a strong reputation in the sailing world for its commitment to precision and quality in one-design racing boats. The core of their identity lies in producing vessels where the integrity of the design and the consistency of construction are paramount. This ensures that boats within a class are virtually identical, placing the emphasis squarely on the skill of the helmsman and crew.
The company's approach has led to "approved class refinements in hull shape and refined deck layouts," which have contributed to numerous victories at World, Pan American, and North American championships. While primarily focused on adhering to strict one-design rules, their underlying philosophy aimed to deliver "the joy and pleasure of sailing high-quality boats to as many people as possible". Nickels Boat Works is not primarily known for collaborating with a wide array of naval architects, as their strength lies in the meticulous construction of established one-design classes, where the original designs are fixed and approved by their respective class associations. For example, the Lightning is a Sparkman & Stephens design from 1938, and the Buccaneer 18 was designed by Rod Macalpine-Downie and Dick Gibbs in 1966.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Nickels Boat Works has been instrumental in the continued success of several iconic one-design sailboats:
- Lightning: A venerable 1938 Sparkman & Stephens design, the International Lightning Class boasts a staggering production of nearly 15,000 boats and remains an incredibly active racing class worldwide. Nickels Boat Works has been a prime supplier, contributing to the class's enduring popularity.
- Rebel 16: Historically significant as "believed to be the first fiberglass sailboat," the Rebel 16 has been built by Nickels Boat Works, contributing to its legacy as a popular dinghy for both racing and recreation.
- Snipe: One of the most popular sailing dinghies globally and once the largest sailboat racing class, the Snipe has been a staple of Nickels' production, known for its widespread racing and recreational use.
- Buccaneer 18: Designed in 1966, this racing dinghy has seen over 5,000 units produced since its inception. Nickels Boat Works built 67 Buccaneer 18s between 2004 and 2016 (hull numbers 5216 through 5281), solidifying its role in maintaining the class's vitality.
- Mutineer 15 and JY15: These models also form part of the diverse range of one-design sailboats that Nickels Boat Works has produced, further cementing its position as a key builder in the small boat racing segment.
The Builder Today
Following the 2015 merger, Nickels Boat Works continues its operations from Burton, Michigan, now serving as the manufacturing arm of WindRider International. The company currently builds nine models of sailboats, encompassing both the traditional Nickels one-design range and the WindRider trimarans, including the WR17 and WR16, and also imports Astus trimaran models from France.
The modern boats appeal to a broad spectrum of sailors, from competitive one-design racers to those seeking the unique stability and performance of trimarans for recreational sailing. WindRider, operating under the Nickels Boat Works umbrella, employs a factory-direct sales model complemented by a network of international dealers. They also maintain a system of "Owner Ambassadors" across the U.S. who can provide demonstrations of the boats. The legacy of Nickels Boat Works ensures a strong community for its one-design classes, with parts and accessories for models like the Lightning, Buccaneer, Mutineer, and JY15 being exclusively supplied through WindRider's website. This integrated approach allows Nickels Boat Works, through WindRider, to continue its mission of making high-quality sailing experiences accessible to a wide audience.
