When did Penn Yan Boats go out of business?
Jackson Reed
Updated on January 09, 2026
Penn Yan was sold in 1979 and ceased operations in 2001. The “Penn Yan” trademark was subsequently cancelled by the United States Patent & Trademark Office, and the former Penn Yan boat works property was abandoned and fell into ruin.
Where were Penn Yan Boats made?
Founded in 1921, the Penn Yan Boat Company produced powerboats, sailboats, canoes and rowboats until 2001 at its 14 acre site on Keuka Lake. The manufacturing process left the site impacted by heavy metals, polychlorinated byphenyls, semi-volatile organic compounds and volatile organic compounds.
Where did the name Penn Yan come from?
Penn Yan, the name of the village, is said to have been contrived from the first syllables of “Pennsylvania” and “Yankee”, as most of the early settlers were from Pennsylvania and New England; the latter were known as Yankees.
Does Penn Yan still make boats?
Penn Yan Boat Company, which produced a wide range of wooden and fiberglass powerboats, sailboats, canoes and rowboats, was founded in 1921 by German-native Charles A. The tunnel drive system provided better boat speed and stability. The company was sold to new owners in 1979 and finally ceased operations in 2001.
What is in Penn Yan NY?
Our Favorite Things to Do in Penn Yan, NY
- The Windmill Farm and Craft Market. We love spending time at a farmers market, and The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is one of our favorites!
- Oak Hill Bulk Foods.
- Fox Run Vineyards.
- Keuka Spring Vineyards.
- Earle Estates Meadery.
- Top of the Lake.
- Keuka Restaurant.
- Silverbird Woodfired.
How old is Penn Yan?
The median age in Penn Yan is 44.4 years, 43.8 years for males, and 44.6 years for females….Penn Yan Income by Household Type.
| Name | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Families | $78,955 | $73,485 |
| Married Families | $85,925 | – |
| Non Families | $22,762 | $32,168 |
Is Penn Yan safe?
Penn Yan is in the 85th percentile for safety, meaning 15% of cities are safer and 85% of cities are more dangerous. This analysis applies to Penn Yan’s proper boundaries only. See the table on nearby places below for nearby cities. The rate of crime in Penn Yan is 14.84 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.
What is a tunnel Drive boat?
Among other innovations, Penn Yan was known for its patented “Tunnel Drive” concept, whereby a cavity was molded into the bottom of the boat’s hull, partially enclosing the propeller and drive shaft. The tunnel drive system provided better boat speed and stability.
What is there to do in Penn Yan today?
How long is the Keuka Outlet Trail?
13.3 mile
Keuka Lake Outlet Trail is a 13.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Dresden, New York that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Who was the founder of Penn Yan boat company?
German-native Charles A. Herrman founded the Penn Yan Boat Company in 1921, with Headquarters in Penn Yan, NY. Penn Yan produced a wide range of wooden powerboats, rowboats, canoes and sailboats at its founding, but switched to all fiberglass vessels in the early 1960s.
It derived its name from the location of its headquarters, Penn Yan, New York. At its founding, the company built wood boats and canoes, switching to all fiberglass production in the early 1960s.
What was the Penn Yan tunnel drive boat?
Among other innovations, Penn Yan was known for its patented “Tunnel Drive” concept, whereby a cavity was molded into the bottom of the boat’s hull, partially enclosing the propeller and drive shaft. The tunnel drive system provided better boat speed and stability. The company was sold to new owners in 1979 and finally ceased operations in 2001.
What are the serial numbers on Penn Yan canoes?
In the case of Owasco, Rainbow Guide and Kingfisher model canoes, three letters in the serial number indicates 1947 or earlier, 2 letters is 1948-1960. An exception is that some pre-1933 16′ Rainbows and 16′ Owascos may be marked RC and OC, respectively. Screws – Presence of Reed & Prince screws are usually indicative of Penn Yan canoes.