Nickels Boat Works

Nickels Boat Works is a renowned American manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass one-design sailboats, specializing in racing and daysailing classes like the Lightning, Buccaneer, Mutineer, Rebel, Snipe, and JY15. Incorporated in 1983 in Michigan, the company has built thousands of boats, emphasizing precision craftsmanship, performance refinements, and custom trailers, with innovations in hull shape, rigging, and flotation. In 2015, it merged with WindRider International, expanding to trimarans (e.g., WindRider, Astus series) while maintaining its core focus on one-designs. Known for supporting global racing fleets—its Lightnings are among the fastest—Nickels operates a small shop producing 30–50 boats annually, including restorations and parts.