The development of the motor boat parallels that of the motor car at the beginning of the Twentieth Century with both utilizing the internal combustion engine for propulsion. After the turn of the Century, several prominent Lexingtonians designed, built and raced experimental motor boats in the reservoirs of the Lexington Water Company on Richmond Road.
In 1910, the Lexington Motor Boat Company was established by Dr. John B. Moore, to design and manufacture wooden pleasure boats. Moore was a prominent local dentists and leader of the local boating fraternity. He was the principal owner and general manager of the company.
Torpedo Stern Speed Launch, June 1910
The Lexington Leader noted that “the motor boats manufactured by the company are high class, not only in designing, but in the quality of materials used, and the company is doing a nice business.” The firm’s factory was located at 159 Woodland Avenue is a large wooden shed, adjacent to the Moore’s residence. Several craftsmen and woodworkers were employed.
The company used Ferro marine engines, built by the Ferro Machine & Foundry Company, Cleveland, Ohio. The company offered engines from 3 to 25 horsepower, depending on speed requirement. The top speed ranged from 6 to 28 miles per hour. Other models ranged up to forty feet in length.[i]
Ferro Marine Engine, 5 horsepower
During May 1910, the company established a showroom on the Phoenix Hotel block, next to the Western Union Telegraph and Phoenix Motor Car Company.[ii] The Phoenix Motor Car Company was the distributor of the Lexington Motor Car. The Lexington Motor Car was manufactured “The Lexington Motor Car” in Lexington during 1909-10.
During July 1910, the company printed an illustrated catalog featuring their various models and equipment options. The flagship craft was the “Model 1911 Lexington,” an eighteen foot sleek runabout, powered by a four horse power, semi-speed engine. The runabout’s top speed was 10 miles per hour. The Lexington sold for $200, with a money back guaranty. The Lexington was designed as “light, durable, seaworthy, speedy and beautifully designed” and as a “low cost and high speed.”
1911
Also in July 1910, the company relocated its offices from the showroom to the third floor of the McClelland Building (on the same block). The company operated for several years.
Ferro Marine Engine, 25 horsepower
[i] Lexington Leader, July 1, 1910, page 7, column 3.
[ii] Lexington Leader, May 5, 1910, page 5, column 4.
