The Lightning sailboat was designed by the Naval Architectural firm of Sparkman & Stephens in response to a request from John and George Barnes, owners of Skaneateles Boats, Inc. The Barnes brothers were interested in building a one-design sailboat which could be used both for racing as well as family day sailing. The two firms collaborated closely on the design of the sailboat over a two-year period, and prototype Lightning #1 (now part of the watercraft Collection at Mystic Seaport Museum) was built in 1938. The boat received an enthusiastic response from the yachting world, and production began in earnest the following year.

Lightning #167 was one of approximately 112 Lightnings built by Skaneateles Boats, Inc. in 1939, the first year of production. Records indicate that the boat was sold to Ward’s Sporting Goods Store, a dealer in Ogdensburg, New York, who in turn sold the boat to a gentleman residing in that town. She appears to have spent much of her life sailing on the St. Lawrence River, passing through a succession of owners and eventually relocating to the Finger Lakes. In 1999, #167 was donated to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum.

Each year the Museum selects a theme to guide our program of exhibits and events. The theme selected for 2008 was the boats built in Skaneateles, NY. This prompted our decision to restore our Skaneateles Lightning. Work was begun in the fall of 2007 by Museum volunteers, with the intent to complete the restoration in time to participate in the Lightning 70th Anniversary Celebration in Skaneateles over July 4th weekend, 2008.

The bottom frames and several of the side frames had deteriorated, and it was necessary to replace them. Many of the bottom frames were in such poor condition that they couldn’t be used as patterns, and it became necessary to loft the boat (a process which involves drawing the various views of the boat full size) in order to generate the shape of the replacements. The new bottom frames were cut from mahogany stock and carefully positioned with the aid of a reference line that had been temporarily erected above the over- turned boat. The lower section of the centerboard trunk was replaced with new mahogany, and the unit was varnished and re-installed in the boat. The deteriorated inner stem was also replaced, and the hood ends of the side planks were refastened to it.

Replication of the mahogany trim also proved to be challenging because the original pieces were missing and could not be used as patterns. Communication was established with the owner of a Lightning of similar vintage, who provided key dimensions and several photos which proved very helpful in this part of the process.

The spray rails were particularly challenging because of the contours and bevels involved in fitting them diagonally across the top of the deck and within the forward end of the cockpit. These parts were dry-fitted along with the replacement coaming, and then removed and finished outside the boat prior to final installation.

The replacement mahogany half-oval bang rail stock was fashioned at a local mill work shop, and similarly finished prior to installation.

Spars, floorboards and seats were repaired and refinished.

The rudder was rebuilt with new cheeks, and a replacement tiller was obtained.

New belaying pins were turned to replace those missing.

All of the hardware was cleaned, polished, and reinstalled.