In the dynamic world of marine craftsmanship, Ventura Sport Boats has carved a distinctive niche since its inception in 2015. Led by founder Ken Lange, a seasoned sailor, accomplished boat builder, and industrial designer, the company's vision is centered on "Creating More Fun in the Sun!". Ventura Sport Boats distinguishes itself by designing and building innovative, trailerable, and highly versatile pocket yachts that seamlessly blend the joy of sailing with the convenience of power.
The Origin Story
Ventura Sport Boats officially commenced operations in 2015, driven by Ken Lange's lifelong passion for the sea and his extensive background in boat building and design. Lange's ambition was to offer "right-sized" and easily trailerable boats that could provide a comprehensive yachting experience without the complexities of larger vessels. This vision materialized in their initial offerings: the Malbec 18 and the Ventura 2300, both designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of boating enthusiasts.
History and Evolution
From its founding, Ventura Sport Boats embraced modern construction techniques, utilizing fiberglass for its hulls, as seen in the Malbec 18. The company's evolution has been characterized by a focused approach to designing boats that are not only seaworthy but also incredibly practical. A key design principle is the emphasis on "trailerable" and "beachable" capabilities, which liberates owners to explore diverse waterways and coastlines with ease. This commitment to versatility ensures that their boats offer maximum utility and enjoyment for family adventures and leisurely cruises alike.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Ventura Sport Boats has quickly established a reputation for producing vessels with an "elegant, revolutionary design" and a "sexy, curvilinear form" that integrates a seaworthy, planing hull. Their core identity revolves around the concept of the "premium pocket yacht"—a boat that delivers the full yachting experience in a compact, manageable package.
The builder is renowned for several signature design features, including cabins designed with an "RV interior" for comfort and maximizing space, and the dual capability of high-performance sailing combined with efficient outboard power. This allows their boats, such as the Ventura 2300, to achieve speeds of 25 knots or more with a 90HP outboard, while still offering excellent sailing characteristics. A significant collaboration for the Ventura 2300 was with renowned naval architect Robert H. Perry, who contributed to its design.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The primary vessels defining Ventura Sport Boats' legacy are the Malbec 18 and the Ventura 2300.
- Malbec 18: First introduced in 2017, the Malbec 18 is celebrated as a "modern classic pocket cruiser." It's lauded as a fast, enjoyable cabin sailboat perfectly suited for family outings. Its lightweight construction makes it easily trailerable and fully beachable, offering exceptional freedom for exploration.
- Ventura 2300: Often highlighted as a flagship model, the Ventura 2300 is described as an "elegant, revolutionary design destined to change trailerable boating forever". It embodies the company's commitment to versatility, allowing it to function as both a spirited sailboat and a capable powerboat. Its design focuses on delivering a complete yachting experience in a compact, easily transportable form factor, appealing to both seasoned sailors and powerboaters.
While production numbers are not publicly detailed, the company's focus is clearly on crafting a select range of high-quality, innovative pocket cruisers rather than mass-market production. There is no information available regarding America's Cup projects or custom yachts for high-profile clients, which is typical for a specialized builder of this size and age.
The Builder Today
Today, Ventura Sport Boats continues under the leadership of its founder, Ken Lange, operating from Oxnard, California. The company remains committed to its niche in the global market, appealing to individuals and families seeking the flexibility and enjoyment of a versatile, trailerable boat. The emphasis on user-friendliness—from ease of launching and trailering with a standard automobile to their beachable designs—makes them highly attractive to adventurers eager to explore diverse waterways. While there isn't extensive public information on a formal, strong owner community, testimonials from owners suggest a positive experience and satisfaction with the build quality and design. Ventura Sport Boats continues to offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and convenience, truly embodying their mission of "More Fun in the Sun!".
