old wooden motor yachts

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Baja Bay Club
• Costa Palmas
• Fairmont Doha
• Four Seasons
• Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
• Jacob Cohën
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

9 Stunning Wooden Boats That Blend Classic Design With Modern Tech

These 9 yards are still turning out mahogany boats using hand-crafted methods that started centuries ago. the difference they're using the latest engines and hull designs. call it good wood., kevin koenig, kevin koenig's most recent stories, ‘people don’t want to be inside’: how the outdoors became yachtmakers’ most coveted design element, azimut’s new 72-foot yacht has one of the largest flybridges in its class. we hopped onboard..

• Tiara’s New 54-Foot Yacht Has a Deck That Transforms Right in Front of You
• Share This Article

There are few more classic sights in boating than a small mahogany runabout splitting the serene waters of a lake in some picturesque locale—be it northern Italy, Lake Tahoe, or a pristine stretch of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There is something almost primal about being on board a boat built from the first material humans fashioned roughshod canoes with.

Fortunately, there are multiple yards around the world that are still building wooden boats—but with modern hulls and systems that eliminate the hassles of owning a vintage yacht. Some build classic-inspired designs from the 1920s through the 1960s, while others focus on contemporary hulls, but with wood instead of fiberglass.

These builders will tell you that their material of choice offers the softest ride available, thanks to its natural properties. They will also say that the prestige of owning one of these boats is all but unmatched in the world of boating—wooden boats have long been a favorite of kings and movie stars. When you catch a glimpse of the beautiful brightwork and gleaming mahogany from the dock, you’ll find they clearly have a point.

Here are 9 of our favorite wooden boatbuilders.

Grand Craft, Genoa City, Wisconsin

“Our boats are few and far between, so the people who look at our boats often say they resemble a piece of art,” says Patrick Gallagher, president and CEO of Grand Craft Boats. The Wisconsin builder is currently focusing on two different models, the Burnham 26 runabout (opening image) and Winchester 36 commuter (pictured above). “The common denominator among our customers is that they want something that sets them apart from their neighbors without being gaudy or ostentatious,” says Gallagher. “A wooden boat is a way to demonstrate that.”

Boesch, Kilchberg, Switzerland

Jakob Boesch built his first boat in the 1890s, and more than a century later, his family continues to merge new technologies with old-world Swiss craftsmanship. Boesch ’s 28-foot 860 has a classically styled mahogany hull with up to 11 layers of wood laid at right angles, sealed with six layers of epoxy and finished with six layers of varnish. Propulsion choices include modern options such as twin 150 kw electric engines for quiet, emissions-free operation or more conventional gas or diesel engines. The runabout’s meticulous craftsmanship disguises a beast of a machine designed for precise handling, tow sports and speed. Equipped with twin 380 hp Ilmor gas engines, the 860 can hit 48 mph.

Spirit, Ipswich, England

The 111-foot Geist , launched in 2021 by Spirit, is the largest single-masted wooden sailing yacht built in the UK since the 1930s, when the America’s Cup yacht Shamrock V ruled the seas. But Geist is much more than a giant sloop. Her eco-conscious owner mandated systems like the first-of-its-kind electric propulsion by Torqeedo—a 100 kw motor fed by BMW lithium-ion battery banks, which recharge while Geist is sailing—while her Rhoades Young interior elevates wood to its maximum potential, showing off sustainably sourced sipo mahogany, teak and walnut in a series of continuously flowing curves. Even her sails are made of recyclable materials.

HackerCraft, Queensbury, NY

Founded in 1908, HackerCraft is one of the most prominent names in the wooden-boat world. The builder does series of boats such as its Sport, Sterling, and Racer models and also takes on full-custom jobs. “The build method lends itself to customization,” says Erin Badcock, Hacker Craft’s COO. “We build on a jig so anything is possible. Our main focus is to maintain the timelessness of the boat, but at the same time we have the ability to do custom designs.” For a builder with timelessness in mind, Hacker also has an eye on the future with its fully electric 27 Sport , which has a run time of up to three hours and a 30-knot top end.

Shearline, Morehead City, NC

Shearline is one of the cluster of custom sportfish builders centered around North Carolina’s famously rough Oregon Inlet. The builder is not uncommon amongst its peers in that it only turns out one or two boats a year. But the firm stands out among sportfish builders in that it’s still building in wood. Using wood instead of fiberglass is a no brainer. “The strength of a tree is in its ability to bend with the wind,” says Chip King, Shearline’s president. “You come off a wave and wood absorbs the shock, whereas fiberglass transfers it. There’s no comparison between the two materials when you want the softest ride possible.”

StanCraft, Hayden, Idaho

From out west comes Idaho’s StanCraft . This 90-year-old brand was founded in 1933 by W. H. “Billy” Young and his son Stanley C. Young. The company has remained within the family, with new boats now built by the third generation. A fourth generation is coming up in the business as well. The builder offers a line of five models, plus full-custom jobs. The boats are notable for the variations seen in its shearlines, which can be straight, broken, or cambered. The company also prides itself on its fit and finish. Each boat, for example, receives 16 coats of varnish, buffed to a mirror shine before delivery.

GarWood Custom Boats, Brant Lake, NY

GarWood Custom Boats is headquartered in New York State’s pastoral Adirondack region, where the multitude of freshwater lakes make an ideal playground for a wooden runabout. The builder constructs its boats using richly grained mahogany, with low-profile, retro lines. The first version of the brand, launched by Garfield Arthur Wood in 1922, was famous for its 33-foot Baby Gar runabouts. The most recent ownership of the brand continued with its racing pedigree, turning out boats like the 22- and 27-foot Speedsters, which can pass the 60-mph mark, a redline that holds real weight for lovers of go-fast boats. Combine that with beautiful wood and you have a one-of-a-kind runabout.

Vandam Custom Yachts, Boyne City, Michigan

Vandam is a fully custom builder that only creates its wooden boats on commission. “We only build one of each boat,” says Jeremy Pearson, Vandam’s worldwide sales manager. “The people that come to us are usually seasoned and know what they liked in previous boats they owned—the lines, the seats, that kind of stuff. We do a lot of listening to the clients. The concept phase is a lot of fun here.” The Michigan yard has turned out a long list of very different yachts, from the Geromino commuter yacht to the pictured downeast-style vessel, with dozens of other styles in between.

Streblow, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Streblow has been building handmade wooden boats for 73 years. Each boat is framed using white oak, with a marine plywood bottom and Philippine mahogany for the outer planking. The attention to detail seen aboard these boats has gained an almost cult-like following, with customers often purchasing consecutive Streblows. Part of this loyalty stems from Streblow’s storage facility, a 17,000-square-foot structure that the builder says can extend the lifetime of a wooden boat indefinitely.

Read More On:

• Wooden boats

More Marine

This New 220-Foot Custom Superyacht Is Topped With an Epic Jacuzzi

This Custom 112-Foot Trideck Superyacht Feels Bigger Than It Actually Is

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

The 10 Most-Exciting Yacht Debuts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show

‘Lady A’ Superyacht in Photos

More from our brands, zendaya sports louis vuitton tennis whites at the bnp paribas open with tom holland, carlyle, sounders reach deal to buy nwsl’s reign for $58 million, sundance’s ai afterlife documentary ‘eternal you’ to be theatrically released in the u.k., germany (exclusive), marian zazeela draws and dreams on her own, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

Absolute Classics

Vintage Boats (All)

• Newly Listed
• Chris-Craft
• Project Boats
• Outboard Boats
• Recently Sold Boats
• Thoroughbred Boats
• Late-Model Pre-Owned
• Premium Vintage
• Electric Boats
• Fiberglass Boats (All)
• Vintage Fiberglass
• Modern Fiberglass
• Boat Trailers
• Boat Listing Tips
• List a Boat
• Autos (All)
• Muscle Cars
• British Sports Cars
• Interior ALCANTARA
• Interior Leather
• Interior Cloth
• Interior Vinyl
• Our Restoration Process
• Restorations in Progress
• Past Restorations
• History & Stories
• Paint, Sealants & Caulking
• Brushes and Rollers
• Sanding Supplies
• Stain & Varnish
• Vintage V8 Engines
• Vintage Flathead
• Vintage Ouboard Engines
• Engine parts & Accessories
• Chrome Brightwork & Trim
• Burgees / Flags
• Anchoring / Mooring
• Covers / Tops
• General Boating
• Maintenance
• Electronics / Navigation
• Ventilation
• Plumbing & Pumps
• Electrical & Lighting
• Props, Shafts, Trim-tabs & Rudders
• Engine Parts
• Watersports & Boats
• Trolling & Fishing
• PWC & Jet Boats
• Parts Search
• Mens T-Shirts
• Mens Jackets
• Womens T-Shirts
• Mens Hoodies & Crew Necks
• Model Boats
• Classic Boat Puzzles
• Beau Lake Paddle Boards
• Phone Cases

Boathouse Blog

• Boat Articles
• Car Articles
• Terms of Service
• Returns & Refunds
• Storage Agreement
• Shipping & Handling
• Privacy Policy

Your cart is empty

Join the Club!

First year chris-craft antique boat club membership included with boat purchase.

1947 24' Port Carling Seabird

Muskoka beauty....

Looking for something unique this Season?

Return to the golden Century of boating....

Looking for a Vintage Boat?

See our full selection of classic wooden boats for sale.

New & Featured Wooden Boats and Cars For Sale

To see our newest listings click HERE

Looking to Buy, Sell or Restore a Classic Wooden Boat?

We have over 31 years of experience restoring & brokering classic Mahogany boats.

We are a brokerage and restoration shop for classic wooden boats, modern mahogany boats and everything in between... If you've got a Chris-Craft, Riva, Century, Shepherd, Garwood, Hacker-Craft, Grand-Craft, or Stan-Craft, we have got you covered.

Check our for sale listings to find your dream vintage boat or auto today! Looking to list? with us? Our listing " tips and tricks " to help make your wooden boat stand out

Want to keep up to date on the shop? Subscribe to our newsletter!

Popular Categories

Classic Autos (All)

Luxury Boats

Vintage Chris-Craft Boats

1955 21' Chris-Craft Cobra off to the Vancouver International Boat Show

Mahogany & Merlot

Customized 1957 Capri off to it's new home

Classic boat restoration, work with absolute classics marine to restore your classic boat.

Are you looking for a classic boat restoration ? Absolute Classics is the leading wooden boat restoration shop for show-winning work in North America. With over 30+ years of classic boat restoration in North America, we work on classic brands, ranging from Chris-Craft to Century. With major shows under our belt, such as Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, we are the authority when it comes to classic boat restorations. Our restoration service brings remarkability from the past back to your classic boat and makes your boat timeless so it can be enjoyed by generations to come.

• Classic Driver
• Forgot password
• Newsletters
• Language English Deutsch
• Currency Select AUD CHF CNY DKK EUR GBP HKD INR JPY NZD SEK SGD USD
• Collectibles
• Real Estate
• CD Works Agency
• For sale CD Shop Magazine Auctions Sell

• Motor or sail
• All motorboats
• All sailboats
• Motor Yacht ( 3431 )
• Speedboat and sport cruiser ( 1493 )
• Tender ( 973 )
• RIB and inflatable boat ( 381 )
• Sailing houseboat ( 298 )
• Traditional/classic motor boat ( 226 )
• Houseboat ( 177 )
• Open boat and rowboat ( 156 )
• Jetski and waterscooters ( 128 )
• Professional ship(s) ( 108 )
• Ex-commercial motor boat ( 107 )
• Superyacht motor ( 41 )
• Multihull motor boat ( 32 )
• Motor boat - hull only ( 3 )
• Sailing Yacht ( 1770 )
• Flat and round bottom ( 227 )
• Multihull sailing boat ( 120 )
• Classic yacht ( 116 )
• Motorsailor ( 95 )
• Open sailing boat ( 56 )
• Super yacht sailing ( 21 )
• Sailing - hull only ( 5 )
• Other options
• Living on or near the water
• CharterFocus
• MarinaFocus

By saving a search request, you will receive every day newly added boats that meet the following criteria:

category: traditional classic motor boat

Send a daily email to:

1 Active filters Delete all search criteria

Euroship 1900 Pilothouse

2009 price on request

Super Lauwersmeer 1450

1994 £ 194.768 (€ 219.000)

Fratelli Aprea SORRENTO 7.50 CABINATO

1999 £ 52.916 (€ 59.500)

Pikmeer Kruiser 11.50 AK Royal

1994 £ 106.722 (€ 120.000)

Storebro Solo 25 Flus

1963 £ 61.810 (€ 69.500)

kajuitmotorboot Taxi Boot

1966 £ 35.129 (€ 39.500)

Anker Trawler 1100 AK

1999 £ 128.956 (€ 145.000)

• Most relevant at the top
• Last added at the top
• Longest for sale at the top
• Price low-high
• Price high-low
• Length ascending
• Length descending
• Year of construction ascending
• Year of construction descending
• Brand a to z
• Brand z to a
• Show boats on map

Results per page:

Staverse Kotter 10.40

• Motor Yacht

Menorquin 110

A very neat Menorquin 110. With many nice options, such as a bow and stern thruster, generator, stove and autopilot. Motorisation: 2 x Volvo Penta KAMD 43 P

• GRP (Polyester)

Kooijman & De Vries 10.35 OK

classically lined motor yacht with spacious cabin. Motorisation: Mitsubishi 42hp diesel engine

Super Van Craft 12.60

Solid classic steel motor yacht with spacious and stylish interior. Motorisation: 2 x DAF 105hp 6-cylinder diesel engines

Motorisation: Vetus 33 HP

Varende Watervilla - Luxe Motor

Unique living on the water, with the comforts of today. Converted by ShipCreations for sailing living. Motorisation: 1x Mercedes diesel 100 hp

Qualia-Tenders QT25 Inboard

New Qualia Tender QT25. Motorisation: Mercruiser 6.2 v8 350 HP

Marvis 37 Classic AC

Beautifully lined comfortable motor yacht. Recently completely equipped with new paint system. New Antifouling March 2024. Soon more technical info. Motorisation: Vetus Deutz 4 cyl.

Espevaer 32

Beautiful boat equipped with many conveniences, repainted in January 2024. Motorisation: Lombardini LDW2004

Tryvia 1300 GT Hardtop

Very nice Tryvia 1300 GT Hardtop from 2011 with several options such as bow thruster, hydraulic davits and a generator. Now to view by appointment. Motorisation: 1x Steyr MO286H43 from 2011 with 280HP and approximately 750 hours

Swiss Craft Riva Riviera Runabout Riva

Beautiful completely restored Swiss classic, complete with trailer, cockpit tent, deck tent. Interior 2024. Absolute eyecatcher! Motorisation: Chevy 327 (Corvette), 230 HP

• Speedboat and sport cruiser

Van Der Valk Vitesse 48

Discover luxury on open water: Van Der Valk's Vitesse 48 L'Aqua in excellent condition, comfort & performance. Much renewed in recent years! Motorisation: 2x Volvo Penta TAMD61A 306HP

• Traditional/classic motor boat

Sk Kotter 1200 OK

This beautiful SK Kotter equipped with a powerful Perkins 135 hp engine is ready for carefree sailing with a new owner. Motorisation: Perkins Diesel 135HP

Very nice classic mahogany wooden motor yacht. Motorisation: 1, 110 HP, Yanmar 4 Cylinder

Motorisation: 1x 160 HP Iveco Aifo diesel 6cyl , bow and stern thruster

Speedboot, Vintage, Runabout 550

Unique speedboat with zgan 2 axle boat trailer from 2018 by Damco. Motorisation: Volvo B18, 4 cylinder, 120 hp Gasoline bjr ca. 1966

Bola GS Cruiser 30

Fully equipped luxury cabin sloop with 110 hp engine and equipped with bow thruster and many options. To be viewed in Heeg at Prins van Oranje. Motorisation: 1x 110 hp Yanmar

Fratelli Apear 7.50 with 2 two berths and an elecktric toilet. equipped with a kitchen with a refrigerator, 2 gas burners and a sink. Motorisation: 2 Yanmar 4JH3-DTE diesel 250 hp

Portier Holiday

Viewing by appointment only, Besichtigung nur nach Terminvereinbarung. Navigation: Zuiderzee on south, Biddinghuizen. Motorisation: Classic speed cruiser Volvo Penta 100hp

Breedendam MTB 31

Retro motor yacht with elegant lines. Motorisation: Volvo Penta 210 hp diesel

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

102-year-old wooden yacht completes restoration

One of the oldest wooden motor yachts in commercial use, Grace , is about to be launched again after undergoing a lengthy $300,000 renovation.

The 18.29 metre boat is being restored at classic yacht refit specialists Moores Marine in Beaufort, North Carolina. It's a full restoration that has been underway since 2004 but began again in earnest in December 2014 and is slated to be completed by April this year. She is owned by the Palmetto Bluff community and managed by The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort.

Grace is one of only around five boats that have celebrated their centenary still in commercial use in the US. Available for guests of The Inn, members of the community and general public for private charters, she can carry 24 guests and has a cruising speed of around 10 knots with her modern engine, a 350hp Caterpillar 3116. Her original engine was a 50hp 4-cylinder gasoline unit.

Owner's passion for classic yachts

Grace was commissioned in 1913 by Joseph B Cousins, a member of the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, for his family’s use on Long Island Sound and the Hudson River in New York. She was built by the New York Yacht, Launch & Engine Company.

Since then the boat has had a long list of colourful owners. Among them was James Adams, owner of the James Adams Floating Theatre, which was towed to many southern coastal towns bringing entertainment and culture to isolated areas. Then named Sispud II , the boat would follow the theatre to all its destinations, often carrying distinguished guests. Novelist Edna Ferber wrote Showboat, which later became a smash Broadway production, from her experiences aboard with Adams.

The vessel sunk in Thunderbolt, Georgia, in 1941, but was brought back to life and well maintained until the late 1970s, when she became abandoned on the hard at a backwoods boatyard. However, in 1990, a partnership of antique yacht aficionados moved her to Fairhaven, Massachusetts, where a rebuilding project was begun. In 2004, Palmetto Bluff acquired Grace , naming her after the sister of RT Wilson Jr., who purchased the 18,000 acres of waterside land there in 1902. Grace lived for a time at Palmetto Bluff after her brother purchased the land. She went on to marry Cornelius Vanderbilt III and became the most prominent society hostess in New York and Newport, hosting hundreds of parties for charity each year. In December 2014 the extensive current restoration began, which should be completed in the spring of this year.

More stories

Most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

+44(0)1803 833899

[email protected], motor yachts for sale, cruise in style with a classic motor yacht from classic yacht brokerage, classic motor yachts.

Discover the timeless charm of our vintage and classic motor yachts. Feel free to contact us for additional information on any stunning vessels showcased on our website. Your perfect voyage awaits!

ALSO BROWSE OUR CLASSIC YACHTS FOR SALE AND SMALL CLASSIC BOATS FOR SALE

Showing 1–12 of 17 results

30′ Norfolk Broads Motor Cruiser

26′ Classic Pettersson Electric Launch

Converted Admiralty Motor Yacht

Fred Parker Twin Screw Motor Yacht

26′ Clinker Cabin Boat

48′ Rampart Motor Yacht

42ft. WARRINGTON-SMYTH CLASSIC MOTOR YACHT – 1957 – Lloyds 100A1 – 100hp Twin Perkins – Lying: River Thames

75ft. LUXURY BORETTI MOTOR-YACHT – 1984 – high-end specification – ten guests, plus crew – Lying: Spain

64ft. CLASSIC BENETTI ‘DOLPHIN’ MOTOR-YACHT – 1963 – Professionally Refitted – Immaculate Example – Lying: Italy

New Listing: 30ft OSBORNE MOTOR-LAUNCH – 1942 – Teak – 60hp Ford Diesel – Lying: River Avon

Reduced Price Guide: 22ft KRIS CRAFT MOTOR CRUISER – 1936 – Restored 2021 – Vintage Gem – Lying: Wirral

New Guide Price: 33ft. CLASSIC TWIN SCREW MOTOR YACHT, McBryde Design, 1939 – Full Commission – Lying: East Coast

Are you considering selling your classic motor boat.

Please get in touch with us for an initial chat with our specialist broker.

We have joined forces with Wooden Ships to create a market-leading brokerage for all classic and traditional yachts and vessels throughout the UK and Europe.

BROWSE OUR ADDITIONAL CLASSIC YACHTS FOR SALE , CLASSIC MOTOR YACHTS FOR SALE AND SMALL BOATS FOR SALE AT WOODEN SHIPS.

Privacy Overview

• Sailing Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Small Craft
• Classic Yachts
• Sell Your Boat

TEL/FAX +44(0)1803 833899 | [email protected]

Small Classic Boats For Sale

The Wooden Ships website is the only place on the web dedicated to advertising and selling small traditional boats, dinghies, cabin boat and river launches. The team is fortunate to have some of the world’s most beautiful small wooden boats for sale. We consider it both a pleasure and a responsibility to guide you in selecting the boat that is your perfect match.

Browse our portfolio of small wooden dinghies, yachts, rowing boats and powerboats for sale today, or contact us to find out more information.

Enquire about New England Bass Boat

Please fill in this form and we will contact you about this boat

• Contact number
• By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

New England Bass Boat

Built in Cape Cod in 2002, the design based on the famed New England MacKenzie Cuttyhunk Bass Boats, constructed using modern methods with cold molded mahogany sheathed in Kevlar and finished in Awlgrip paint systems. Imported into the UK by the current owner, fully certified to RCR standards. Steyr 164hp turbo charged inboard diesel gives 17 knots cruising speed for excellent fuel consumption, she uses only 0.8 litres/nautical mile. 2 berths under the foredeck makes for a nice sheltered space. Large open cockpit with high bulwarks, an excellent space for the family. SBS road trailer means she can be easily towed on the road, all up weight is less than 3 tons. A very elegant and unusual alternative to the very boring RIB or Boston Whaler, a superb boat for someone looking for a boat that stands out from the crowd and offers something a little bit special.

• Designer: Great River Boat Works, MA
• Builder: Great River Boat Works, MA
• Location: Devon
• Length on deck: 24'11"
• Draft: 2'6"

Enquire about 21′ Sport Fishing Boat

21′ Sport Fishing Boat

Built by Dartmouth boat builders to an American design. This boat is being offered as a demonstration model with a view to obtaining commissions for further new build boats. The specification for a new build could be tailored to suit the commissioning owner, with a choice of engine sizes, layouts, systems and equipment. The benefit of building in wood with a small firm is that once the hull has ben built, all other areas of the design can be altered to suit the owner. A fast, stable sports boat with lots of space, very practical for families or groups and a real head turner. A new boat built to the owners specification with an engine is £55,000

• Builder: B. & A. Pomeroy, Dartmouth
• Length on deck: 21'
• Beam: 7'10"

Enquire about Fabian Bush Cruising Dayboat

Fabian Bush Cruising Dayboat

Designed and built by Fabian bush, a well respected very skilled boat builder. The boat was commissioned by a client but due to personal circumstances he is no longer able to take delivery and use the boat so she is being offered for sale as a brand new and complete vessel. Upon completion the boat was tested and certified under the RCD scheme and put afloat for sea trials, but otherwise she has been dry stored and unused. built using modern construction methods of epoxy glued plywood planking making her very durable and easy to maintain. complete with trailer covers and electric outboard engine this is an absolutely ready to go trailer sailer in as new condition.

• Designer: Fabian Bush
• Builder: Fabian Bush Boatbuilder
• Location: Essex
• Length on deck: 15'10"
• Draft: 14" / 4'

Enquire about 20′ Nick Smith Clinker Motor Launch

20′ Nick Smith Clinker Motor Launch

Clinker motor launch built by the well respected Nick Smith of Salcombe in 2004. Her design is based on the traditional Salcombe bass fishing boat with straight stem and elegant sheer line. Powered by a Yanmar 2YM 15p diesel, fitted new in 2008. Comes with a good quality road trailer and all over cover. A very striking launch in good condition and well equipped.

• Designer: Traditional
• Builder: Nick Smith
• Length on deck: 20'4"
• Draft: 1'6"

Enquire about Varnished River Launch

Varnished River Launch

Elegant varnished mahogany launch built for the River Way Conservancy in 1950. Major professional rebuild in last 3 years including numerous new planks and lots of replacement steamed oak timbers. Vetus 25hp diesel fitted new in 2015. Top quality De Graff twin axle road trailer. Summer cockpit cover and all over winter boat cover. New Boat Safety Certificate and Thames River Licence for the season. Very smart launch with comfortable seating for 8 people.

• Builder: Allday Austin, Guildford
• Length on deck: 19'3"
• Beam: 5'11"

Enquire about 18′ Motor Launch

18′ Motor Launch

18' motor launch built in Teignmouth in the early 1960's as a self drive hire boat, she also served time as an inshore fishing boat and a shipyard work boat before being bought and rebuilt by a local shipwright in 2003. Used as a very capable and practical family boat ever since, she comes with an excellent road trailer and fitted cover. This is a very practical boat with pretty lines and is in good tidy condition. She is immensely stable and stiff which is great for family use and her generous beam means there is ample space aboard for a big crowd of people.

• Builder: Leonard Matthews
• Year: 1960's
• Length on deck: 18'3"
• Beam: 6'10"
• Draft: 1'9"

Enquire about Nick Smith Clinker Cabin Launch

Nick Smith Clinker Cabin Launch

Clinker motor launch built by Nick Smith of Salcombe to his usual high standards. Unusually for a boat of this type and size, she has raised topsides forward with a small cabin giving a large double V-berth. This concept is most unusual but makes for an excellent family adventure/weekend camping boat that stands out from the crowd. 14hp Nanni diesel with very low hours, all over cover and galvanised road trailer. A very complete boat that has hardly been used since new and is ready to go this summer

• Designer: Nick Smith
• Length on deck: 16'

Enquire about Percy Mitchell Open Motor Launch

Percy Mitchell Open Motor Launch

Elegant yet substantial motor launch thought to have been built by Percy Mitchell of Cornwall. Professionally refitted in 2022 including hull repairs, new gunwhales, new thwarts, sole and aft deck plus a second hand Nanni 25hp diesel. Complete with galvanised road trailer, this is a nice looking boat in tidy condition and ready for the coming summer.

• Builder: Percy Mitchell
• Location: Cornwall
• Length on deck: 18'

Enquire about 25′ Motor Launch

25′ Motor Launch

Very elegant varnished mahogany motor launch believed to have been built in 1910 on the Clyde. Originally fitted with a steam engine, she could be reverted to this if desired. Comes with an all over cover and excellent SBS road trailer. Some work required on the hull, 2022 survey report available on request.

• Location: Isle of Wight
• Length on deck: 25'

Enquire about Beer Lugger

Beer Lugger

Built by H.J. Mears and Son, East Devon in 1985 to the lines of the traditional beach fishing boats of the area. Major professional refit in 2021 including an engine rebuild, new trailer, replacement aft deck and sole boards and a complete cosmetic overhaul. Lug rig with a tan terylene mainsail. Beta Marine 10hp diesel in very nice condition, overhauled in 2021. An attractive motor launch with the benefit of a simple rig, perfect for river and coastal cruising. complete package with rig, cover and trailer.

• Builder: H.J. Mears and Son
• Location: Hampshire

Enquire about 16′ McNulty Sailing Launch

16′ McNulty Sailing Launch

Varnished clinker motor launch with a sailing rig, built by McNulty boats in 1995. Beta 10hp diesel engine installed in 1998, full service 2023. Tan lug mainsail gives good off wind sailing. this is an unusual concept of boat and one that should appeal to many boat users. A very pretty boat which will turn a lot of heads.

• Designer: McNulty Boats
• Builder: McNulty Boats
• Location: Hants

Enquire about Mears of Seaton Clinker Motor Launch

Mears of Seaton Clinker Motor Launch

A traditional design, recently built and based on the traditional Beer fishing boats. These boats were designed to fish off the beach and were pulled up and down with the aid of winches and poles. She is planked in elm on oak frames. Yanmar 1GM inboard diesel. A stable, spacious boat very capable of coastal passages.

• Builder: Paul Mears of Seaton

Small boats for sale

People use small boats for sailing, rowing, fishing and tenders for larger vessels. They are easy to transport, affordable, and a great way to get afloat. Small boats are perfect for as a small fishing boat, small sailing boat, motor cruiser or sports cruiser and popular for recreation. We have spent some of the best family days pottering up and down the estuary in our sailing dinghy.

Small classic sailing boats are great for people wanting to start sailing. They’re relatively affordable and classic in style, and you can often find older examples for a fraction of the cost of a new boat. Plus, they’ll still provide you with years of enjoyment.

Classic boats are also a great option if you’re looking for a project boat. Many of these boats have been well cared for and only need a little TLC to get them back into sailing shape. With a bit of elbow grease, you can often have your dream boat for a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Some of the cheap small sailboats for sale on the Wooden Ships website include dinghies , day boats and river launches . Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any small boats featured on our website, or if you’d like to sell your boat .

Wooden Ships classic yachts brokers have an extensive database of small boats for sale. With a wide range of sail boats , classic yachts , motor yachts and small classic boats, Wooden Ships has one of the largest selections of traditional wooden boats and yachts for sale in the UK.

Latest listings

31′ Kim Holman Sloop

9′ McNulty Lugsail Dinghy

Kim Holman Stella

Liverpool Class RNLB

30′ Norfolk Broads Motor Cruiser

Harrison Butler Z4 Sloop

Elkins Centreboard Gaff Cutter

Iain Oughtred Tammie Norrie Rowing Dinghy

Paul Gartside Bermudan Sloop

25′ Gaff Cutter

McBryde Twin Screw Motor Yacht

16′ Bass Boat

Facebook posts.

2 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

4 weeks ago

How to Sell a Yacht

September 5th 2022

How to sell a classic yacht – 10 things to expect from your broker.   Selling a classic yacht can be daunting, but working with a broker can simp…