wooden speed boats & cruisers

wooden speed boats & cruisers

YES, we do:

  • repair almost anything on wooden boats,
  • restore your hull as it was. We use the original Chris Craft documentation to achieve the best result.
  • renovate your interior to a more modern outlook or have your boat more adapted to modern times, electrically?
  • rebuild engines or other mechanical parts to bring your boat alive again.
  • upgrade, simply to the fact that some parts are not only worn out, but also to keep the boat safe. Reliability is what you like to have, every time.


We work on Chris Craft wooden boats most of the time, which are known for:

  • Craftsmanship
  • Wonderful design
  • Beautiful Mahogany Woodwork
  • Great Maneuverability
  • Functional Instruments
  • Well Engineered & Documented


YES, we do:

  • other fine wooden boats too..


Before you upgrade your boat, check what really matters, make a list of must have's and nice to have's...


You find some examples here below:


  • know what is going on,
  • receive weather alerts,
  • monitor your boat engines,
  • where are you on the water,
  • how much gas or power is left,
  • do we know where the fish may bite,
  • ride quietly on the water,
  • where go for a swim,
  • enjoy some good music,
  • navigate with the stars or GPS,
  • like to watch into the darkness with vision of the day,
  • all information and communication on your helm, 
  • all information and communication in your hand palm,
  • your boat comply with latest regulations, can pass a survey so you can be insured,
  • is your boat safe,
  • what else?


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Chris Craft wooden speed boats & cruisers

Wooden Boats your passion?

Ever considered to own a wooden boat?


Think about, what you like to see, and maybe the purpose is for. 

- Will it be a regular boat, to go on the Lake, with your family or is it just you and your wife? 

- Are you going to boat events, show your pride?  


Many questions, many answers...stay behind your choice and spend your budget once and right.


Wooden Speed Boats Market

Wooden speed boats from 1930 up to 1965 are still available. The genuine or well restored ones will have a  price tag.  


When buying a project boat, think about the fact why the nice boats are valued that high..


Buying an old wooden boat, even in running condition, will need an inspection. Oversee, what is required to use the boat for regular occasions. 


If you are in a buyer's mode anyway, don't hesitate to contact me. I can assist you with your project. 


We have build an inspection list based on experience, that tells you exactly, what is good or not and what actions you may need to take.


Let's keep our wooden boats heritage afloat!


Look!  Where?

When people are waving to you, that has a reason. You don't know them, but they know you... it's your boat, your wooden boat, your pride, they see the past and hear you coming... and you'll get a lot of wow's!


A wooden speed boat is most of the time a head turner, so be aware to greet and meet people and watch their smiles! Blow your horn!


Chris Craft uptime (brief)

From 1922-1931, Chris Smith, the owner of Chris Craft,started production of the 22 & 26ft Runabout. The boat had triple benches, looked very big, but streamlined. More than a 1000 of these boats were built and you may say, that was a popular model. The boat was propelled with exotic engine names like, Kermath, Chrysler, Hall Scott, Scripps and Chris Craft! 


The 1930's were known as the years of depression, and sales dipped. In 1940, WW2 expanded and USA got involved. For the Chris Craft company, this was a big opportunity, to build a lot of boats. Chris Craft got orders for military patrol boats, utility launches to rescue vessels for the US Army. More than 10.000 boats were build during the war!


At woodspeed.us, and in our workshop, we collect the Chris Craft period 1922-1965. We have brochures, books, pictures, technical specifications, manuals, drawings, model boats and real boats to keep the wooden boat heritage going. 


It's a lifestyle we truly appreciate. If you are interested in what we do, just visit us, Make an appointment please, as we can be very busy, like just out on the Lake or  somewhere at a Marina to work on someone's boat.

Constellation jobs

This Constellation did not get maintenance for more than 30 years! Some neccessary repairs to keep her afloat, but that was it, sad... However, she is still strong and therefore, I like to give her the repais she need. I'll start with the keel, than bottom planks, transom planks and hull planks replacement.  

When the woodwork is done, the engine engine will need serious maintenance, dash repairs and new wires to have everything working again. 


All of our work done, is according to regulated body's, like USCG, ABYC, NABCEP regulations.


Although many parts of the interior/exterior are not in bad shape, it needs some refreshment and "modernization" to make the cabin convenient. 


The jewelry needs a good polish and then we'll see what may need a new layer of chrome.


Finally, an entire paint/varnish job should make this old Lady pride again.

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Sea Skiff jobs

Bottom damage, repair with piece of board, seal it, paint it

  1. Varnish all mahogany parts
  2. Repaint entire hull
  3. Track leaks in bottom, seal it, repaint bottom
  4. Check all electrical
  5. Check engine, waterpump, fuel lines, pump, carburettor, gastank

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Holiday jobs

Survey to be planned

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Capri Entire rebuild

Needs plan

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Semi-Enclosed Cruiser entire rebuild

Needs a plan

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Hot Rod Conversion

Needs plan

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Description Title

Pending

Item Link

Jobs

Pictures of jobs to do, more coming in the following days.


I started on the transom and chine, since that is a sensitive spot for leaking.


To get an overview of every job, labor and material wise, I inspect first if it is:

- a sanding job, 

- a thixo job, 

- a dutchman repair,

- worst case repair  a plank or more.


The bones of this project are okay, but overall it needs real care and attention. Also, the engine, wiring and instruments and ancillaries need to be done.


See the link below of pictures taken ->

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