A Legendary 36-Foot Cigarette Powerboat Is Heading to Auction This Summer

Seafarers hungry for a tasty powerboat will be satiated this summer.

Iconic Auctioneers is auctioning off a legendary Cigarette racer at the London Concours on June 5. Named after a famous English chip, the 36-foot Monster Munch can soar to speeds greater than 100 mph and has an impressive racing pedigree.

Cigarette Racing has been a favorite in go-fast racing circles since Don Aronow founded the company in South Florida in 1969. The late powerboat racer won numerous world championships and set multiple world records in his famous Cigarettes. The high-performance speed machines later became a go-to for drug smugglers in South Florida in the ‘80s. They are still built in Florida and compete in offshore races today. 

Cigarettes are famous the world over for their sleek lines and streamlined silhouettes. Aronow christened his first boat the Cigarette as he thought the long, thin body resembled a cigarette, according to the auction house. Monster Munch is a fabulous example of a 36 Gladiator model, featuring a racing hull, twin “Richie Zul” V-8s capable of 775 hp, and IMCO Bravo surface drives with five-blade Hering propellors. The speedster can reach a blistering 108 mph all out. It also showcases a purple and yellow body reminiscent of the Monster Munch chip packet. 

Monster Munch was delivered to its first owner in 2004 before it was later sold to the current owner. The second yachter, who Iconic says has several other vessels, has carefully stored the boat indoors in Mallorca. They also instructed Nigel Figgins of NJF Marine to “maintain the boat regardless of cost.” Invoices covering maintenance total some $139,000 (€128,000), Iconic says. This work included an overhaul of both engines by Richie Zul and a rebuild of the drivetrain. In addition, new batteries and a fresh seawater pump were fitted in 2023. With only 236 engine hours clocked and a complete service history, the boat is in “turn-key” condition and ready to tear across the seas. 

Monster Munch will lead the London Concours lifestyle auction at the Royal Artillery Company in the British capital on June 5. The boat will be auctioned with no reserve, but the pre-sale estimate is between $101,600 and $127,000 (£80,000 and £100,000). It is not uncommon for Cigarettes to hammer down for six figures. Quite a bit more than a packet of Monster Munch, then.