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Lion Yachting
Canna One electric dayboat cruising past a city at sunset
Neo-Retro & electric propulsion

Neo-retro boats & modern propulsion

Classic lines, designed for the way we cruise today.

Lion Yachting supports the search, purchase, sale and development of classic-inspired and neo-retro boats, together with modernisation and electric-propulsion projects.

Home /Private owners /Neo-retro boats & modern propulsion
Wood detailing and Canna One emblem on a neo-retro dayboat

Classic elegance without compromising modern use

A neo-retro boat is not simply a reproduction of an old silhouette. It aims to preserve the elements that give a boat its character — proportions, materials, deck lines and quality of detail — while integrating current expectations for comfort, reliability, safety, maintenance and propulsion.

Depending on the project, this may involve purchasing a new classic-inspired runabout, sourcing an older boat for restoration, modernising an existing craft or studying an electric-propulsion conversion.

Lion Yachting acts as the project point of contact. We help clarify the intended use, compare solutions, identify technical constraints, organise discussions with builders and specialists, and coordinate the process through to delivery or recommissioning.

Three ways to approach a neo-retro project

New boats with classic design

Timeless lines combined with contemporary construction and equipment.

Lion Yachting can present dayboats, runabouts and leisure craft whose design reflects traditional yachting codes while using modern construction methods.

Our support may include:

  • defining the intended programme;
  • comparing models, dimensions and configurations;
  • reviewing available combustion or electric propulsion options;
  • defining materials, upholstery, finishes and equipment;
  • technical and commercial coordination with the builder;
  • organisation of the order, transport and delivery;
  • preparation for launching and owner familiarisation.

Brands, models, specifications, prices and availability may change. Every proposal must be confirmed against the commercial and technical conditions applicable at the time of the project.

Electric propulsion control integrated into a neo-retro boat

Electric conversion

Quiet, smooth cruising — provided that the project is correctly dimensioned.

Electric propulsion can be particularly suitable for a dayboat, lake boat, passenger launch or classic craft operating on predictable routes. It is not, however, a universal solution.

A serious assessment must consider:

  • hull form, displacement and expected performance;
  • the real operating profile and cruising speed;
  • required power;
  • battery capacity and weight;
  • usable range and safety margins;
  • charging possibilities;
  • ventilation, cooling and electrical protection;
  • mechanical and structural integration;
  • compliance, insurance and manufacturer requirements.

Lion Yachting can help structure the requirement, gather technical information, consult the appropriate specialists and coordinate the project stages. Propulsion calculations, structural modifications and electrical work must be validated and carried out by the required qualified professionals.

Classic wooden runabout moored in a harbour

Restoration & modernisation

Preserve the boat’s identity while making it genuinely usable.

A successful restoration must balance authenticity, future use, the condition of the boat, budget and final value. Depending on the craft, this may involve cosmetic restoration, a complete technical refit or targeted modernisation.

Work may concern:

  • hull, deck and structures;
  • woodwork, varnish and decorative elements;
  • electrical systems and batteries;
  • engine and propulsion line;
  • steering, controls and instrumentation;
  • upholstery and accommodation;
  • safety equipment, deck hardware and fittings;
  • documentation, survey and preparation for sale.

Our role may include defining the work programme, shortlisting contractors, collecting and reviewing quotations, monitoring the timetable, visiting the yard and coordinating the project through to trials.

Couple cruising aboard a Canna One electric dayboat

Canna One — a contemporary interpretation of the classic dayboat

Among the solutions followed by Lion Yachting, Canna One illustrates the neo-retro spirit: an elegant silhouette, wood detailing, sociable use and electric propulsion designed for calm, quiet cruising.

Depending on the version, equipment and availability, Lion Yachting can support:

  • presentation of the concept and intended uses;
  • definition of the configuration;
  • review of operating and charging conditions;
  • preparation of the commercial proposal;
  • coordination with the builder;
  • transport, delivery and owner familiarisation.

Exact characteristics, options, pricing and lead times must be confirmed for each enquiry.

Canna model sheets

Dimensions, design category, capacity and standard equipment for the Basic and Premium versions. Exact characteristics, options, pricing and lead times are confirmed for each enquiry.

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Current boats & projects

Neo-retro, electric and classic craft currently followed by Lion Yachting.

Prices, statuses and availability are confirmed for each enquiry.

Pre-owned classic & neo-retro boats

The right boat must be selected on its actual condition, not only its appearance.

Lion Yachting can search for or present runabouts, dayboats, classic motor launches, restored craft and boats suitable for a modernisation project.

Depending on the assignment, our support may include:

  • defining the search criteria;
  • shortlisting advertised and off-market opportunities;
  • organising viewings;
  • initial document review;
  • coordinating a survey and trials;
  • estimating the work required;
  • negotiation and coordination of the transaction stages;
  • transport, storage or recommissioning.

An older or restored boat can show significant differences between appearance, structural quality, finish and the real cost of ownership. An independent survey is generally recommended before commitment.

From the idea to cruising

Define the programme

We clarify the type of cruising, passenger capacity, operating area, required speed, finish level, timetable and target budget.

Assess the project basis

We compare a new boat, pre-owned craft, restoration or conversion according to the priorities and constraints.

Initial technical feasibility

We identify the principal points to validate: structure, weight, power, range, charging, compliance, transport and specialist availability.

Select the solution

We prepare the relevant options, initial estimates and decisions required before commitment.

Coordinate the project

We centralise discussions with the builder, yard, surveyors, engineers, electricians, transport companies and other required specialists.

Delivery, trials & familiarisation

We prepare relaunching, trials, acceptance of the work and operation of the boat.

A project that must remain coherent

Style must never hide the technical realities. Before starting a purchase or works programme, the following should be reviewed:

  • suitability of the boat for the operating area and programme;
  • condition of the hull and structures;
  • final weight and weight distribution;
  • realistic performance and range;
  • charging or refuelling possibilities;
  • access to parts and service;
  • maintenance requirements for wood and finishes;
  • regulation, registration and insurance;
  • transport, storage and launching logistics;
  • final value in relation to the total investment.

Who is it for?

Private owners

For cruising in a distinctive, elegant boat that remains suited to real use.

Collectors & classic-boat owners

For preserving a craft, organising a restoration or preparing a technical evolution that respects its identity.

Why Lion Yachting?

  • An independent approach focused on the client’s real programme.
  • Practical understanding of sales, refit, management and commissioning.
  • The ability to coordinate builders, technical specialists and logistics.
  • Attention to the balance between design, use, budget and maintenance.
  • Support available in French, English and Polish.
  • A single project contact without confusing project advice with regulated professional services.

Important — technical feasibility, range & value

Performance, range and charging times depend on the boat, propulsion system, batteries, load, speed, weather and operating profile. They must be confirmed from manufacturer data and, where required, through an appropriate technical study.

Lion Yachting does not guarantee the feasibility of a conversion before survey, a specific range, the future value of the boat or preservation of any heritage status. Surveys, calculations, compliance validation and specialist work must be entrusted to the competent professionals.

Illuminated Canna One dayboat cockpit at night

Give new life to a timeless line

Are you looking for a new neo-retro boat, a classic craft to restore or an electric-propulsion solution?

Tell us the type of boat, operating area, cruising programme, timetable and anticipated budget. We will prepare the initial options and the technical points to verify.