classic wooden yacht

SPIRIT YACHTS

MODERN CLASSIC YACHT DESIGN & BUILD

Based in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK, Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of custom, wooden sail and power yachts ranging from day sailers to superyachts.

From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside, Spirit Yachts now operates from a large waterside facility with a team of highly skilled designers, naval architects, boat builders, cabinet makers, electricians and engineers.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Spirit Yachts’ contemporary, elegant design style is world-renowned. Subtle variations on 1930s classic yacht design with long overhangs, low profiles and smooth lines, married to contemporary underwater profiles and the latest technology, are synonymous with Spirit’s modern classic cruising, racing, and power yachts.

Spirit yachts are designed to be as beautiful in 100 years as they are today.

“THE SPIRIT TEAM IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST IN THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO A UNIQUE BUILD EXPERIENCE AND A TIMELESSLY BEAUTIFUL YACHT.”

WORLD-CLASS WOODWORK

Spirit Yachts comprises a talented team of craftsmen and women who are passionate about and dedicated to the highest standards of boat building.

Using hand-selected timber sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests, Spirit yachts incorporate the beauty of wood with the latest modern technology for sailing performance and a luxury guest experience.

SUSTAINABILITY

WOOD IS AT THE HEART OF EVERY SPIRIT YACHT.

Wood is a natural, sustainably-sourced boat building material offering beauty, a favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and durability. Spirit Yachts is committed to the environmental sustainability of its wood and is meticulous in sourcing the highest quality timber from responsibly managed forests and regulated suppliers.

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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

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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.

Jaap van der Weijden Ship Restauration and Maintenance

Wooden classic sailing boats, sale and refit of scandinavian classic wooden sailing yachts.

DON’T YOU FIND THE BEAUTY AND HARMONY OF CLASSIC SAILING BOATS CAPTIVATING?

All year round I offer a number of gracefully lined, classical ships on my wharf. You are probably familiar with those Scandinavian designs and extraordinary sailing capacities.

All ships are thoroughly refitted and in great condition. Just the sailing, not the worries!

STRAIGHT TO THE WATER

If you buy a ship from me, it’s all ready and set up for sailing. All ships have undergone extensive refit and reparations. The wood has been impregnated, treated and finished off with the correct varnishes.

This makes you save time and maintenance and refit costs. In other words: you can immediately start to enjoy the wind, the water and your sailing beauty!

Most refitting projects are ships of the following classes:

• Skerry cruiser: Neptune, Mälar 22, Mälar 25
• Coastal cruiser: Enderlein 28, Winga kryssare
• Spidsgatter: Koster 25, Laurin Koster
• Daysailer: International 5.5 class, River class
• Polyclassics: H-boat, Karavel

CRAFTMANSHIP

As a sailor and classic boats fanatic I have gained extensive knowledge on the history, craftmanship, maintenance and market value of small to middlesized classic wooden sailing yachts.

This has inspired me to start offering refitted ships, mostly Scandinavian designs such as the Skerry Cruiser, Coastal Cruiser and H-Boat.

Because sailing enthusiasts live all over the world, I publish all the ships that are currently for sale on this website. As of today, I count happy buyers from Germany, France, Spain, Russia and Australia amongst my clients.

Whether you are from Europe or beyond, you may contact me by e-mail, phone or skype. You are always welcome to pay a visit to the wharf, located in Kudelstaart (which is about 20 kilometres south of Amsterdam).

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

Classic Yachts for Sale

Wooden Ships international traditional and classic boat sales bring together buyers and sellers interested in classic wooden boats. When you purchase a classic yacht from Wooden Ships yacht brokers, you acquire a vessel and a piece of history. We will work with you to find the perfect boat and provide expert advice on every aspect of the purchase process.

We hope you find something to your liking amongst our selection of timeless classic yachts for sale – many people feel there is something special about being a classic yacht owner. Having a traditional wooden boat can give you nostalgia and bring back memories of a simpler time. They are beautiful to look at, and they are fun to sail.

If you can’t find your dream classic sailing boat on our site, please contact us to discuss your needs further. It might be that we have something you didn’t know you wanted! Our small expert team of yacht brokers will guide you through every stage of the journey.

Classic boats for sale

McBryde Twin Screw Motor Yacht

40′ McGruer Bermudan Yawl

43′ Robert Clark Sloop

Classic yachts for sale uk.

Wooden Ships is a brokerage firm with 50 years of specialist expertise in selling classic and traditional boats. Classic boats have been at the core of everything we do.

Nothing compares to the craftsmanship and beauty of a classic yacht, and ownership of one entails an appreciation of a piece of maritime history. Take a closer look at our collection of classic motor yachts for sale and classic sailing yachts for sale , catering to every boating enthusiast.

Classic yachts can be either power or sailing; owning one has several benefits.

Benefits of owning a classic boat

-The unique design and construction make them stand out from the crowd .

-These vessels can last for generations with proper care.

-Traditional classic boats have a certain charm and elegance that is unmatched by any other.

What is a classic yacht?

The term classic yacht can be subjective, and there are many opinions and  definitions in the sailing community . Still, it allows us to enjoy and appreciate the world’s most beautiful boats built over centuries by classic designers like William Fife, Alan Buchanan and Charles Nicholson. Some classic sailing yachts have great racing prowess, whilst others represent design milestones. The term also encompasses many wooden vessel types, including gaff cutter and Bermudan rigs, cruising yachts, river launches and gentleman’s motor yachts. 

There are many classic yacht designs, and each type has unique characteristics. So whether you are looking for a fast racing boat or a leisurely cruiser, there is undoubtedly a classic boat that meets your needs.

While classic yacht owners proudly maintain their boats in traditional style, many have also been brought up-to-date with modern comforts, including plush interiors and state-of-the-art navigation systems. For the competitive among you, owning a classic boat is an excellent opportunity to compete on the international regatta circuit. So whether you’re buying a traditional sailing boat strictly for cruising or racing the regatta circuit, you enter an exclusive club of true sailing enthusiasts with classic boat ownership.

Classic boats for sale UK

Do you want to realise a long-standing dream or take the family out on the water with style? Whether you’re searching for a small sloop or a large sailing yacht, we can help you find your ideal vessel.

The team at Wooden Ships is very fortunate to have some of the world’s most beautiful classic 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 some of the most elegant, traditional and classic boats for sale today, or contact us to find out more about the boats on our books.

Wooden Ships classic yachts brokers have an extensive database of boats. With a wide range of sailing 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. Our goal is to help you find the sailing boat that best suits your needs by providing impartial, expert advice.

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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…

The Best Classic Wooden Boats and Expert Advice

Imagine a journey back to a simpler era, where the complexities of modern technology are absent. For a modest sum of under $5,000, you can own a slice of this tranquil past . Envision yourself in a quaint wooden boat with two snug berths and a galley. Picture the rhythmic creaking of the mooring rope, the wooden hull gently bobbing on the tide, and the nostalgic scent of aged wood mixed with varnish. This conjures an atmosphere of serene, bygone days. Sounds idyllic .

However, owning a classic wooden boat isn't about feeling serene nostalgia. It comes with its own set of challenges, like navigating through occasional difficult situations . Yet, these should encourage your enthusiasm.

Owning such a boat is more than a hobby; it's a character-building journey. It fosters patience, decisiveness, and composure, transforming a novice into a seasoned sailor . Let this thought broaden your perspective.

Read also: Best Liveaboard Boats to Live On Full-Time

Understanding Classic Wooden Boats

Identifying a classic car is intuitive, even for those without automotive expertise. It could be a Jaguar , MG , or Morris Minor , but an indefinable quality marks it as a classic. This holds for classic boats as well.

However, defining a " classic " boat is not straightforward. For instance, old working boats or those of a working type are classified as " traditional ," not " classic ." Not every wooden boat is a classic, and vice versa. This concept mirrors car design, where classic styles are often revamped for new generations, as seen with the Volkswagen Beetle .

In the past decade, there's been a resurgence of interest in wooden boats, leading to modern designs inspired by traditional styles, though only sometimes to the purists' liking.

In 2005, a survey by Classic Boat magazine asked readers to define their ultimate classic boat . The wide-ranging responses included canoes, sailing yachts, steamers, fishing vessels, tug boats, and warships, highlighting the subjective nature of the term " classic boat ." The best approach to understanding a classic ship might be to trust your instincts, much like classic cars. You may not know the specifics, but you recognize a classic when you see one.

Why Buy a Classic Wooden Boat?

First and foremost, investing in a classic wooden boat can be surprisingly economical. In contrast to classic cars, these boats often represent some of the most undervalued assets available. With $20,000, you could acquire a 30ft yacht crafted by a master artisan, a price considerably lower than its modern counterparts . Classic wooden boats offer a hands-on sailing experience that modern vessels can't match. This form of sailing is akin to a 747 pilot learning to fly a vintage Sopwith Camel biplane, providing an authentic , intuitive feel. Additionally, the admiration and envy you'll receive at marinas filled with modern, nondescript boats are priceless.

The realm of classic boats caters to all levels and budgets. Options range from a humble $1,000 clinker dinghy to luxurious yachts exceeding $80,000, ensuring there's a traditional boat for every sailor.

Selecting Your First Classic Wooden Boat

The diversity in classic wooden boats is immense. For a modest budget of around $500, you could start with an open wooden dinghy reminiscent of adventures from " Swallows and Amazons ." On the higher end, $40 million could fetch you a majestic three-masted schooner. A practical starting point might be a 25ft cruising yacht, offering a balanced introduction to classic boating . When choosing, consider where and with whom you'll be sailing. Reflect on the following aspects:

• Preference for river or sea sailing
• Sailor engine-powered
• Day trips or extended cruising
• Solo voyages or outings with friends and family
• Budget constraints
• A boat ready for the water or one needing restoration

Contemplating these factors and general considerations like maintenance and mooring costs will guide you to the right boat.

Sailing a classic boat can be a personal journey or a communal experience. Owners enjoy a rich calendar of regattas and gatherings worldwide, celebrating the shared passion for traditional wooden boats . These events are often more about camaraderie than competition, bringing together a diverse community of enthusiasts.

Discover Classic Wooden Boats

Axe one design.

This 12ft clinker dinghy, typically housed at a sailing club, ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 with an annual maintenance cost of about $ 200 . It comfortably accommodates two adults and a child. Generally, it's open but can be modified with a " tent over the boom " coverage method.

A 15ft daysailor, easily stored on a trailer at home, can be purchased for $1,000 to $10,000 , with yearly upkeep around $ 200 . It’s spacious enough for four adults or a family, often featuring a canopy and side-bench sleeping arrangements. Some models include a small “ cuddy ” cabin for sleeping or storage.

⚡️Another article:   The Best Small Luxury Boats: Incredible Features and Comfort

Weekend Yacht

These yachts, ranging from 19ft to 22ft, cost between $2,000 and $30,000 , with annual maintenance exceeding $ 500 . They have a fixed keel made of iron or lead and are equipped with inboard or outboard engines.

Cruising Yacht

Sized between 25 and 30ft, these yachts are priced from $ 4,000 to $ 80,000 , incurring $3,000 to $5,000 in yearly maintenance, typically docked at a marina. Designed for ocean travel, they often accommodate four or more people, featuring a galley , heads , and sometimes heating and hot/cold water facilities. They come equipped with comprehensive navigation gear, including GPS and echo sounders.

Expert Insights on Classic Wooden Boats

• Advice 1 : Gillian Nahum from Hambleden Sales and Charter advises purchasing a boat in good condition, as maintaining a well-kept ship is far less challenging.
• Advice 2 : Adrian Espin of Eastern Yachts recommends starting with a boat smaller than 25 feet, cautioning against larger sizes like a 40-footer. He suggests that classic wooden boats are ideal for those who enjoy wood maintenance, and for beginners, starting with a restoration project in a community of similar enthusiasts can be beneficial. He also recommends reading Classic Boat magazine and other informative books .
• Advice 2 : David Morris from Woodrolfe Brokerage suggests beginning with a GRP classic with wooden spars. This allows for a gradual introduction to wood maintenance before fully committing to a wooden boat . He also advises keeping the size small, as 20-footers can offer so much enjoyment that owners often don't feel the need to upgrade.

🔥 Hot topics:   Catamaran vs Trimaran: Which is Better for You?

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5 Beautiful Wooden Boats That Blend Classic Design With Modern Technology

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From one of the largest single-masted wooden sailing yachts in the UK to a mahogany 30-footer with an Art Deco–themed interior, this quartet of vessels showcases just what’s possible with timber, the most classic of boatbuilding materials.

The 111-foot Geist , launched last July 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.

Navy Destroyer

Hacker Boat Company traces its roots to John Hacker, who crafted boats for the rich and famous during the Roaring Twenties. The Ticonderoga, N.Y., facility builds modern triple-cockpit runabouts that nonetheless appear straight from the docks of J. D. Rockefeller. The recently launched Restless is a custom project, a modern thoroughbred based on the 1923 Miss APBA race boat; she uses a foot pedal rather than a throttle for acceleration, on her way to a top speed of 65 mph. The Hacker team achieved the striking navy hull by combining a double-planked mahogany layup with a fiberglass skin, while the owners chose the same Cuoio leather favored by Ferrari to pair with the boat’s mahogany topsides.

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 new, 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 like twin 150 kw electric engines for quiet, emissions-free operation. The runabout’s meticulously crafted silhouette 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, leaving fiberglass towboats in its wake.

Fiber Class

Unlike the rest of the list, the Hood 57 LM isn’t a proper wooden boat. The hull is what manufacturer Lyman-Morse calls “wood composite,” a combination of strip-planked fir and fiberglass, though its 1950s New England look—including the superstructure’s teak veneer—and pioneering construction suggest the potential for a modern-retro segment; it offers high-tech features such as a carbon-fiber flybridge roof and electric windows. A tough, lightweight boat designed to run offshore, its twin 1350 Volvo IPS pod drives deliver a top speed of 43 mph, while the interior, with its open salon and two generous staterooms, is as spacious as any fiberglass competitor.

Van Dam , which has been building mahogany boats since 1977, moved away from traditional 1920s-style runabouts to focus on original designs such as Catnip . The 30-footer has an Art Deco–themed interior, with stunning metalwork—including an array of semicircular gauge housings, windshield frames with slatted openings and a mirror-like stainless rudder—complementing an expanse of varnished mahogany. With twin 385 hp Ilmor inboards, Catnip has a top end of 57 mph, and since Van Dam won’t build any boat twice, she’s also unique.

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Classic Yachts For Sale

While new, radically designed superyachts are always guaranteed to catch the public's attention, there are many owners dedicated to the preservation, restoration and maintenance of fine old pleasure crafts. Although the term classic yacht is a relatively elastic one, here are a selection of timeless classic yachts for sale currently with BOAT International. 

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Second hand boats: buying a classic yacht

• Nigel Sharp
• January 10, 2022

Nigel Sharp on everything you need to consider when it comes to buying a classic second hand boat built from wood

Over the last three decades there has been a spectacular classic boat revival, resulting in – and further encouraged by – numerous classic boat regattas and rallies all over the world. Countless dayboats and yachts have been beautifully restored, which inevitably means there are now fewer ‘project boats’ on the market. Nonetheless, second-hand boats built from wood in a wide variety of conditions are still available. So if you’re tempted to buy a fixer-upper, or an already restored beauty, what should you bear in mind?

When contemplating buying a classic wooden yacht the initial considerations are no different to buying any other type of boat: be realistic and honest with yourself about how (and how often) you’ll use it, and with how many crew (experienced or otherwise).

Don’t buy a boat that’s too big or too small, thoroughly research the options for mooring and laying up wherever you hope to keep it and, perhaps most importantly in the case of a classic yacht, make sure you have access to skilled tradespeople to help you look after it.

The Voiles de Saint-Tropez is a popular event for owners and crews of classic yachts. Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

The condition of second-hand wooden boats can vary massively, from those described as ‘fully restored’ to ‘in need of restoration’ as the extremes. Richard Gregson of brokers Wooden Ships comments that: “Most people should buy the best boat they can afford in the first place,” adding that they are “much better off buying a boat into which someone else has put all the money. Although she might look quite expensive, it will work out cheaper.”

But for some people – who have the relevant combination of time, money, aptitude and skills – it is the challenge of a project that draws them to a classic or wooden design.

Fully restored second hand boat?

Buyers should always be cautious of a yacht described as ‘fully restored’. “So many times I have seen boats advertised as such,” said Duncan Walker, formerly of Fairlie Restorations and now building the Fairlie range of modern classic yachts, “but in reality it can often mean the boat has been cosmetically refitted, perhaps with a new deck but otherwise just new electronics, furnishings and a coat of varnish. Nobody looked at the structure because they were afraid of it.”

This emphasises the vital importance of a survey. “We try very hard to provide buyers with a boat’s refit history,” said Barney Sandeman of brokers Sandeman Yacht Company, “but it is up to them to get to the bottom of the actual condition and what might need doing. We can recommend some very good surveyors with particular expertise in wood, but it’s the buyers’ call who to use.”

One of the surveyors on Sandeman’s list is Will Stirling, who also runs his own boatyard in Plymouth. “People often ask for a ‘cheap walkthrough’,” he told me. “But I always say that there’s only one grade of survey, which is a full condition survey. It wouldn’t benefit either of us not to do it thoroughly.”

The cosy and beautifully crafted interior of the fully restored Bermudan cutter Farida.

A surveyor will essentially be looking out for structural issues, areas of decay and the condition of systems. Generally, structural defects are more likely to be found where repairs have been made rather than in the original build.

One common example of this, Stirling finds, is with the spacing of butt joints in hull planking. Most builders of wooden boats would have followed Lloyds rules with regard to this, but if repairs have been carried out good boatbuilding practices may well have been ignored.

Decay is most likely to result from poor ventilation and fresh water ingress. Typical areas where rainwater might get in include chainplates, bulwark stanchions, mast gates and deck seams, from which any amount of hull and deck damage might result.

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Poorly sealed shower compartments are another area that often leads to problems. In the case of a boat with a laid deck over a plywood subdeck, water penetration through the seams can easily lead to rot in the plywood which might remain unnoticed for a significant length of time.

Problems can also arise where metal and wood are in contact with each other. The extent of this will vary according to timber species and metal type, but a particularly common issue is caused when the galvanising on a steel or iron bolt has slowly worn away, resulting in rust reacting badly with the tannic acid in oak frames.

These issues can be exaggerated when larger pieces of metal, such as frames in the case of composite construction, come into contact with timber.

The epoxy fix?

The use of epoxy on a wooden second hand boat can be contentious. “There is a place for epoxy and it’s often used in a way that is helpful to owners and boatbuilders,” said Sandeman, “but it can be the kiss of death if all you are doing is encapsulating a rotten old boat.”

Stirling believes problems often stem from the fact that modern owners expect an immaculate paint finish, which is usually achieved with epoxies and two pack paints. “But if you mix an organic material like timber with an inorganic material like epoxy, it’s going to cause you grief,” he said. “And it makes surveying really difficult because you cannot find out what’s going on underneath it.”

Informal Saturday Hamble Classics races take place on Southampton Water. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Gregson agrees that “it’s generally a big alarm bell” when a boat has been sheathed in epoxy, but he does recall a rotten boat whose hull and deck were completely encased in epoxy 30 years ago when the only alternative was to break her up.

“We have sold her half a dozen times since,” he said. “Everyone knows she’s festering away inside under the epoxy but she’s had another 30 years of sailing which she wouldn’t have otherwise had.”

In more recent years, epoxy has often been used to great effect with new builds, whether the hull construction is strip planked, cold moulded or a combination of the two. Strip planked construction is often billed as being suitable for amateur builders, but Walker advises that “the process of building a strip planked boat should be carried out to the same level of skill as any other wooden boat.”

He is not alone in thinking that some hulls built this way are to a poor standard, in particular that they sometimes lack adequate framework on the inside or glass and/or veneers on the outside.

The 1939 35ft Laurent Giles Bermudan cutter Farida has undergone a full five-year rebuild and is currently on the market for £250,000.

But despite what might seem like a lot of negatives, it should be borne in mind that on a wooden boat, in particular a traditionally built plank-on-frame boat, everything can be repaired. And there are plenty of skilled craftsmen available to do the work.

“That’s the wonderful thing about wooden boats,” said Stirling. “It’s just a question of how deep you want to put your hand in your pocket. The important thing is for a potential buyer to have an idea what needs doing and what it might cost.”

In very broad terms when considering a hull, planking is relatively easy to repair and replace, frames less so (especially steel frames, in the case of composite construction), while centreline components cause the most difficulty because of the need to support the boat without distorting it in the process.

But perhaps the most important thing in the boat buying process, thinks Walker, “is that buyers should use their heads and not their hearts. So many people fall in love with a boat and then buy something entirely unsuitable for their pocket or their experience.”

Attitudes towards wooden boat ownership have changed over the years. “When my father started selling them 50 years ago the perception was: ‘Oh dear, those poor people have got a horrible wooden boat as they obviously can’t afford GRP’,” recalls Gregson. “But now it is more like: ‘They must be doing all right for themselves, they have a lovely wooden boat!’”

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Types of Classic Wooden Boats

30th dec 2022 by samantha wilson.

For Under $5,000 you could travel back in time to a far simpler and less complicated time. An era without broadband, satellite TV and checking in on Facebook every hour. For $5,000 could buy you  a little wooden boat  complete with two cosy berths and a galley. Just let your mind relax and imagine it for a moment. The dry coarse creaking of the mooring rope as the wooden hull lifts and falls with the lapping tide, the scent of aged wood and varnish drifting and filling your senses with the aroma of lazy days gone by. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Of course, like most things in life, wooden or  classic boat ownership  isn’t just about sailing on a millpond of nostalgic delight. There are a few storms fronts and sandbanks you’ll need to navigate along the way but don’t let that put you off.

Classic wooden boat ownership trains the soul in a way that no modern craft can. Tolerance, decisiveness and coolness under fire are all honed and refined and help to change an enthusiastic amateur into a far more complete sailor. So, read on and expand your horizons.

Definition of a wooden classic boat

Even if you know absolutely nothing about cars, you can always recognise a classic car. You may not know if it’s a Jaguar, MG or Morris Minor but there’s just something about it that tells you it’s a classic. Whether it’s the chromed grill or the patina of the paint finish, there’s just that certain something that screams classic at you. It’s the same with classic boats.

However, coming to an agreement over the precise definition is anything but simple. For example, an old working boat, or a boat of working type is not considered to be a “classic”, rather it is termed as being “traditional”. Not all wooden boats are classic and not all classics are wooden. In the same way that car designers frequently re-visit classic designs and re-vamp them for a new generation such as Volkswagen did with the eponymous Beetle, as do boat designers.

As interest in wooden boats has grown exponentially over the last decade, modern boat design has harked back to craft being built in more traditional styles, much to the chagrin of the purists.

In 2005, Classic Boat magazine surveyed their readership as to what was their all-time classic of classics. The results revealed the subjectivity of the question with the answers ranging from canoes and sailing yachts to steamers and fishing craft, from tug boats to warships, the range was all encompassing but with no precise consensus as to the meaning of the term “classic boat”. Probably the easiest way to approach the actual definition is to view it subjectively and with an open mind. Just rely on your gut feeling as you would with a classic car. Even if you don’t know why, you just know it’s a classic.

Reasons to buy a classic wooden boat

Firstly, classic boat ownership really can represent value for money. Unlike classic cars, classic boats can be some of the most undervalued vehicles on the planet. $20,000 could buy you a 30ft yacht, hand-made by a master craftsman, far below the starting price of the modern equivalent. There’s also a more tactile approach to classic wooden boat sailing which can really develops sailing skills in a way no contemporary boat will. The absence of modernity delivers a more “seat of the pants” sailing practice in the same manner that a 747 pilot would experience flying a Sopwith Camel biplane. And finally, the warm welcome and looks of envy received whenever mooring at a marina chocked full of anonymous white craft are impossible to put a price on.

Classic boat ownership is truly one of the few recreations that appeals at every level. The wide range of affordable boats available are within the budget of most sailors, starting at around $1,000 for a modest little clinker dinghy to $80,000+ for a cruising yacht. There really is something for everyone in the classic boat world.

Choosing your first classic wooden boat

As previously discussed, the range of  classic wooden boats available is vast. As little as $500 could launch you into Swallows and Amazons fashion with an open wooden dinghy whilst if your pockets are somewhat deeper, $40 million could secure you a three-masted schooner! Ideally, a small 25ft cruising yacht would make a fine introduction into the world of classic boats. The main thing to do is to bear in mind exactly where, and with who, you want to sail and make your choice of boat appropriately. Ask yourself the following:

- River or sea

- Sail or engine

- Day sailing or river cruising

- Solo or with friends or family

- Renovated or in need of restoration work

Taking these factors into account, as well as the standard considerations you would apply to any boat purchase, such as upkeep or mooring fees, will help you decide upon which type of craft is the one for you.

For some, sailing is a solitary affair, for others, it’s a more social recreation. For classic boat owners, there are a plethora of regattas and events all over the world. Rather than being competitive, many of these events are just a diverse range of sailors united by their love of classic wooden boats.

Types of classic wooden boats

Axe one design.

12ft clinker dinghy kept at a sailing club - $1,000-$5,000/ $200 per annum upkeep Large enough for two adults and one child Usually, open but can be made covered with a “tent over the boom” method

15ft daysailor kept on a trailer at home - $1,000-$10,000/ $200 per annum upkeep Large enough for four adults or a family Usually a canopy with sleep under on the side-benches. Some have small “cuddy” cabins for sleeping or storage

Weekend Yacht

19ft-22ft. $2,000-$30,000/ $500+ per annum upkeep Fixed keel of iron or lead and either inboard or outboard engines

Cruising Yacht

25ft-30ft. $4,000-$80,000/ $3,000-$5,000 per annum kept at a marina Typically sleeps four or more. Galley, heads, sometimes heating and hot and cold water. Ocean-going with a full range of navigation equipment, GPS and echo sounder, etc.

A few words of advice from the experts

Classic Boat magazine asked a few experts their advice on classic wooden boats and here’s what they had to say;

Gillian Nahum, Hambleden sales and charter

“Buy a boat that’s already in good condition. Keeping on top of the maintenance of a boat that’s sound is not such a big problem.”

Adrian Espin, Eastern yachts

“Go for something less than 25ft (7.6m). A 40-footer would be crackers. I advise buyers against it. There’s no point in a wooden classic unless you enjoy looking after wood, but if you do, and you know you’re handy, I wouldn’t say no to starting with a restoration. Just make sure you’re somewhere there are plenty of other people doing similar jobs. Read Classic Boat! And read some of the many good books out there.”

David Morris, Woodrolfe brokerage

“My advice would be to start off with a GRP classic that has wooden spars. If you find you enjoy looking after the wood, varnishing it etc, then move onto wood. And keep it small. Small boats, like 20-footers, are so much fun you may never trade up.”

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Classic Yachts for Sale

Classic yachts embody timeless elegance and craftsmanship, seamlessly blending tradition and beauty into a captivating maritime vessel. Ever iconic, these grandeur yachts are inspired by the swooping curves and lines of transatlantic vessels from the 1920s up to the 1970s. Embodying a sense of nostalgia while heralding the pinnacle of building, what sets classic yachts apart today is their ability to seamlessly blend traditional design with modern technology and innovation, offering a unique combination of old-world appeal and state-of-the-art features. Falling into three categories: classic motor yachts, classic sailing yachts, and neo-classic yachts, classic motor yachts provide an authentic and luxurious experience on the open waters, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and safety.

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Often favoured by seasoned yachters, traditionalists, classic sailing yachts successfully capture the spirit of life out on the open waters, allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the thrill of sailing firsthand. Neo-classic yachts strike an ideal balance between legendary yacht design and the latest technological advancements. Several famous classic yachts have left an indelible mark within the yachting world over the years, including the 37m sailing yacht Shamrock V, built-in 1930 for Sir Thomas Lipton’s America’s Cup challenge, and the Maltese Falcon, a stunning 88m sailing yacht known for its innovative DynaRig system. Leading shipyards renowned for constructing classic-styled yachts today include Royal Huisman, Pendennis, and Perini Navi, among others. Whether you desire luxury, exhilaration, or a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, a classic yacht is always an excellent choice.

RUNNING ON WAVES - 64m

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39 Guests in 18 cabins

€17,500,000

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1951 Classic Wooden Lyman Islander - $9,000 (Chippewa Falls, WI)

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1951 Classic Wooden Lyman Islander - boats - by owner - marine sale...

1951 18 foot -- Classic Wood Lyman Islander, 45 HP Inboard Gray engine This Islander is in excellent condition with fresh coats of paint and varnish, along with new cushions and convertible cover...

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