Perspective—Cigarette Fans Reflect On Double-Nickel Anniversary

You know a brand is iconic when, in the eyes of the general public, it becomes synonymous with an entire product category. Think Coke for cola, Kleenex for tissue, Frisbee for flying disc—and Cigarette for performance-boat.

But that kind of name recognition doesn’t happen overnight. For Cigarette Racing Team, the journey to icon status began 55 years ago, as a press release from the Opa-Locka, Fla.-headquartered sportboat and center console builder last week reminded me late last week. The company’s history is rich.

No clients in the go-fast boating world are more loyal than those of Cigarette Racing Team. Photo by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

To recognize the company’s double-nickel anniversary ahead of the Miami International Boat Show, I reached out to a few friends, from industry notables to passionate multi-time Cigarette owners, and asked them for their thoughts on the brand. Here’s what they had to say.

Fred Kiekhaefer, former president, Mercury Racing

“Don Aronow created some amazing brands: Hunt, Formula, Donzi, Magnum, Cigarette and more. Cigarette became the Kleenex of offshore boat brands, helped in no small measure by my father’s racing engines and Dr. Magoon’s dominance in his Cigarette Aeromarine I, II and III raceboats during the 1970s.

“How strong is the brand? I’ll never forget Don Johnson, actor and 1988 Superboat World Cup champion, thanking Wellcraft for his ‘Cigarette’ race boat at their dealer meeting. Through multiple owners and presidents, the Cigarette brand has survived and often thrived in the face of stiff competition. With Cigarette at 55 years old, I have faith that (company owner) John Ruiz and his team will continue to evolve new models with improvements in quality, fit and finish like those brought to Cigarette by Skip Braver. Don’s legacy deserves it.”

Cigarette president Erik Christiansen (right) showcased the 52 Thunder for TNT Custom Marine co-founder John Tomlinson. Photo copyright speedonthewater.com.

Erik Christiansen, president of Cigarette Racing team, former general manager of Mercury Racing

“For 55 years, Cigarette has been this incredible global brand building innovative and luxurious products, which have continued to set that standards for the high-performance powerboat market. A lot of that has been due to Cigarette’s loyal clients and dealers, as well as the team behind the brand. With all we have going on right now, all the new products we have coming, the future is incredibly bright. Our trajectory is high. “

Dave Burgess, multi-time Cigarette sportboat owner

“I’ve had four Cigarettes, from a 1979 model-year 24 Firefox to my current 2022 41’ Nighthawk. I think the coolest thing about Cigarette through all these years and several owners is the brand has always stayed true to form—never lost the look, the lines or the ride. It’s a great boat to own no matter what year it is.”

Mark Morris, Visual Imagination, painter

“I painted all the 59 Tirranna models that Cigarette built—and a lot of other Cigarettes during the years—and I loved working on them. But I think what I appreciated most when I worked with (former Cigarette Racing Team owner) Skip Braver and Bud Lorow during the Tirranna days. I knew exactly they wanted and they did exactly what they told me they would. It’s an incredible brand to be associated with.”

Mark Morris painted every Cigarette 59 Tirranna built to date. Photo courtesy Cigarette Racing Team.

Randy Sweers, boat-builder, marine industry veteran

“What more can you say about a company that brought the world ‘Cigarette boats?’ It’s not just a manufacturer—it’s a worldwide Identity that describes a complete genre of the boating world.”

Ron Szolack, multi-time Cigarette sportboat owner

Ron Szolack has owned a slew of Cigarette Racing Team center consoles and V-bottoms during the years. Photo by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

“Cigarette has been building kick ass boats since I was two years old watching Felix the Cat and Captain Kangaroo. Now the new, younger-generation owners are stepping up the game 55 years later with the latest and greatest technology and materials.”

Cristina Ruiz, chief marketing office and in-house legal counsel for Cigarette Racing team

“We are extremely excited for the future. This has a great legacy and has been pivotal in the space. We have a lot of exciting things in the store this year.”

Cigarette Racing Team sportboats have been taken to some of the world’s most exotic locations. Photo by Mark Morris copyright Visual Imagination.

John Tomlinson, TNT Custom Marine, world champion offshore racer

“Cigarette is what made me want to go boat racing since I was a kid watching all those old raceboat running around when I was growing up in Miami.”

Michael Knoblock, American Custom Marine, former Cigarette owner

“Cigarette Racing Team was the pioneer of the performance boat industry with Don Aronow at the helm. He was the one everybody wanted to follow.”

The 52 Thunder is first-all new Cigarette model released under the Ruiz family’s ownership and leadership of the company. Photo courtesy Cigarette Racing Team.

Tank Sears, multi-time Cigarette sportboat owner

“You know, 55 years in any business is commendable, but 55 years in the performance boating business is extremely impressive—it’s crazy in this industry. Through ups and downs, Cigarette has stuck it out and pushed through to be an iconic American brand known the world over. I’ve always been proud to own Cigarettes and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Stu Jones, president of the Florida Powerboat Club, current Cigarette owner

“I was 10 years old when the first Cigarette hull hit Miami waters, but by some miracle just seven years later I saw my very first Cigarette on Lake Erie off Nickel Beach on Lake Erie when I was 16 You can’t “un-see your first Cigarette, and that first, profound visual set the course for what has become a wild ride for five decades. I am proud to be a cigarette owner and thankful to have such a close industry relationship with this iconic brand that has stood the test of time.”

Since the first he spied a Cigarette in action, Stu Jones has been in love with the vaunted brand. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

“Cigarette Racing Team celebrating 55th anniversary is a momentous occasion on so many levels. I am absolutely certain that every offshore powerboat enthusiast has a story that somehow connects to Cigarette.”