A New Lyman

The watercraft built by Lyman Boats are renowned for their quality, durability, and timeless style. The company was established in 1875 by Bernard and Herman Lyman in Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Sandusky, Ohio in 1928, and quickly gained recognition for producing high-quality wooden boats that could withstand the rigors of the Great Lakes. Initially focusing on fishing boats and pleasure craft, Lyman eventually expanded and diversified its lineup to include everything from sleek runabouts to spacious cruisers, all bearing a signature blend of handcrafted excellence and practical design. Though the company ceased wooden boat production in the 1970s, the legacy of Lyman Boats endures, with many examples lovingly preserved and cherished by collectors and aficionados.

As Peter Spectre wrote in “Lyman Legend” (see WoodenBoat No. 82), “Anybody who had an appreciation for powerboats of any kind had a Lyman, wanted a Lyman, knew someone who had a Lyman, or was saving up his money to buy a Lyman.”

On any given summer weekend, it’s still not uncommon to see a dozen or more Lymans on the local waters of Sandusky and the nearby islands. Anchored off the beach of East Harbor State Park or making a quick run to nearby Kelley’s Island, these boats are meant not only for shows but also to provide practical enjoyment on the water.

In the spring of 2020 and the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, Adam Sublett of Benchmark Craftsmen called me to inquire about a new custom design. Their family business, founded by his father, Nate, more than 50 years ago, specializes in the design, fabrication, and management of trade-show displays. In a typical year, Benchmark would be keeping their crew of craftsmen busy working on custom projects for some of the most prominent brands in the United States and beyond. The pandemic had put an abrupt end to in-person shows, and many of Benchmark’s projects were put on hold.

Adam explained that they were looking for a project to keep their craftsmen busy until the pandemic restrictions receded. As these conversations go, I asked a million questions ranging from their business and its capabilities to the more personal. Their craftsmen were very talented with experience in a wide range of materials, from wood to plastics. They had a modern shop with all the toys you can dream of; most important were a large-platform CNC router and a large spray and finishing booth. I quickly understood that they had the ingredients of a good boatshop but were looking for a great recipe.

When the topic of the boat’s intended use was approached, I was pleasantly surprised when Adam explained that their shop was in Ohio and the boat would be used primarily on Lake Erie. My yacht-design business is located in Severna Park, Maryland, but I was born and raised in Ohio, spent my summers at our family cottage on the lake near Marblehead, Ohio, and I have been obsessed for many years with the types of craft that perform well on Lake Erie’s short, steep waves. Since childhood, I’d hear my father and uncles debate the merits of their current boats, but the conversation always seemed to end with “nothing handles these waters like that old Lyman we had.”

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