How to Find a Classic Wooden Powerboat

You've seen the gleaming Chris-Crafts racing across Lake Tahoe in The Godfather: Part II. If you're a true fan, sooner or later you'll be forced to confront "wooden boat affliction." The classic good looks of a finely crafted wooden boat are seductive--but do you really want to own one? Before you decide, better do your homework. Hire the necessary help and proceed carefully.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Classified Ads
• Marine surveyor

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Sounds simple, but it isn't. The first person you talk to is likely to say, "For a few thousand more, you can get a . . . ." Include repairs and expenses in your budget. If your total budget is $15,000, look for boats with a $10,000 purchase price. Reserve $5,000 for transportation, repairs, insurance and docking fees. You'll also need a trailer (see How to Buy a Trailer).
2. Research boats thoroughly, using the Internet and the phone. Attend one of the two largest wooden boat shows in the United States, held each summer in Lake Tahoe, California, and Clayton, New York.
3. Contact wooden boat dealers, restorers and owners' clubs. You'll find boats for sale as well as information about your favorites. Be flexible about the exact appearance or type of boat that you want. Most manufacturers made numerous changes to a given model over the years.
4. Be patient and wait for what you want, and quell the urge to make an impulse buy. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to six figures, depending on condition, size and collector appeal. Popular classic boat makers include Chris-Craft, GarWood and Riva.
5. Tell boat brokers what you're looking for. They can arrange boats for you to view or suggest places to look. Fiberglass boat dealers will tell you about the complications of wooden boats. Listen well.
6. Understand the commitment required by wooden boats, which reward you with great beauty but require attention. Budget about $1,500 per year to have your boat professionally maintained if you're not prepared to do the work yourself.
7. Respond to classified ads, outside your area if necessary. Chase leads and ask lots of questions about the boat's condition: Has it been out of the water for many years? Are the engine, electrical systems and gauges all functioning? Is the hull intact? Any modifications, except structural improvements done by a professional, are likely to make the boat less desirable to collectors.
8. Hire a marine surveyor. This inspection costs several hundred dollars but will uncover any serious problems and may also enable you to negotiate price reductions for small issues. Be prepared to back out of the deal if the survey findings are bad.

What to Look For:

• Wooden boat shows
• Dealers
• Restorers
• Owners' clubs
• Brokers
• Original condition
• Functioning engine
• Intact hull
• Marine surveyor

Tips & Warnings

• No matter how tempting, never buy a boat on impulse, especially an old one.
• Ask boat brokers to recommend a transport operation that is experienced with boats. Research any necessary delivery costs.
• Don't expect to restore a boat, then sell it at a profit. Sales prices of classic boats are almost always lower than the cost of doing a restoration. For discouraging information, contact the Antique and Classic Boat Society (acbs.org).
• Gasoline-powered inboard boats require proper bilge ventilation to avoid buildup of explosive gas fumes. Be sure your boat is properly equipped.