There is not a more powerful symbol of high-speed on the seas than a Cigarette Racing boat, which dates back to the late 1960s and the start of powerboat endurance races.

"Cigarette," reportedly named for a boat owned by an outlaw who used to transport rum during Prohibition times, dominated national and world boat races for more than decade, including World Championship titles from 1969 through 1974, and again in 1976.

The original 32-foot, V-bottom Cigarette prototype has now given way to larger vessels with more powerful engines, including Cigarette Racing’s 46-foot Rough Rider.

Perhaps the biggest sign of change is the new family boat, a pleasure cruiser built around the hull of a 2006 Cigarette racer setting a record speed of 172 mph. Bud Lorow, who performs sea trials, rigging and other jobs at Cigarette Racing claims the boat could have gone even faster.

"This boat was a totally different type of technology, as in the way the hull and deck were put together," says Lorow. "There was so much safety in mind. It was such a cool boat."

The original 2006 racer has been transformed into a recreational boat designed to reach a maximum speed of 135 mph. This boat, named Strength & Honor, didn't sell at the 2007 Miami Boat Show where it was displayed, so for now, it is going back to its roots by competing in a Poker Run speed race in the Florida Keys.