1941 Century Imperial Sportsman
Although only 15 feet long and 4 1/2 feet on the beam, she is fast and sleek.

Robert Stross - I first set eyes on her at an estate sale.  I fell in love instantly, and knew that she would be coming home with me!  After doing some research on wood boats, I came to the realization that I would ´botch things up´ if I attempted to do the restoration myself.  I looked around and found that Brightwork Boat Works is the best wood boat restoration place in the area (according to some very loyal customers.)  After calling Brightwork, I was lucky enough to get my boat into the queue (they are very busy.)

Hooray!  I decided to name my boat ´Tiger Lilly´ in memory of my cat.  The boat´s colorization would be similar, and the boats mood and character would match too - small, fast and agile!

The boat needed a new bottom; the old one had been damaged several times and the previous owner had ´applied´ a fiberglass bottom which had brought along its own set of problems.  A few deck planks later and a brand new varnish job that was to die for, and it was time to choose an engine.  Brightwork asked me how I was going to use the boat and suggested using a Honda four-stroke, instead of the usual antique rebuilt engine.  Some people might criticize this, but the engine really suits the boat.  I use my boat all the time, and you can´t beat that reliability and environmental friendliness.  I love it!  What a blast!  What a beautiful job Brightwork Boat Works did restoring her!

There are larger boats than ´Tiger Lilly´ - but none are cuter!


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