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Classic wooden boat plans is a collection of established wooden boat designs ranging from the early 1900’s to about 1970. Some of our own designs are Banshee, Custom Barrelback 19 and the Deep V inspired by the Donzi Sweet 16, Bantam. Other plans include Chris Craft, Hacker, Gar Wood, Riva, Switzer, barrel back, Baby Bootlegger, Flyer, Teaser, Rosita Hacker.
Classic Wooden Boat Plans offers full-size plans for classic wooden runabouts, racers and hydroplanes, from Riva and Chris Craft to Hacker and Gar Wood, plus our own designs. Each plan is a set of full-size PDF files.
Try our free Dory sample plan or see the boats built by our customers.
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Banshee is a custom designed 14 foot runabout with a beam of just under 6 feet. The prerequisites were simple enough: A 14 foot runabout that seats 4 with a 1950’s look. An outboard was our first choice enabling costs to be kept down and allowing for inboard room. Unlike most 14 footers, Banshee has 6 frames spaced at 2 feet and includes an optional bulkhead. A low floor locks the rear frames and makes for a sturdy hull. The keel is straight from transom to stem which enables an easy set-up.
A general outboard well is detailed with supports which will allow builders to easily modify it if using a short shaft motor or generally looking to change the aesthetics adding curves to the well area. The Stem is drawn up with positioning for both the breast-hook and first frame. Front and rear bench seats are detailed and are designed for easy removal if required.
Expected outboard power is between 35 and 75hp based on build quality and load.
Plans Include CNC files and full size PDF files.
Chris Craft achieved amazing vessels by introducing the Barrelback or stern back, not only in looks but how they actually went together.
Original authentic copies are scarce for the 19 Barrelback, certainly no shortage of modified and self translated versions available. Due to lack of details and authenticated plans this version of a 19 foot Barrelback should best be described as loosely designed around the Chris Craft 19 1940. While overall sizes and layouts are fine, we have done away with the covering boards and removed the additional components associated with the engine and gas tank.
The chine and sheer logs are drawn in proving the lines and frame cut-outs. A 2“ x 1 1/2'“ sheer log is used to help form the bullnose edge. An additional partner line has been added to help place filling blocks along the sheer, deck side. Cut outs for side battens, hull battens and king plank are also included.
Plans Include CNC files and full size PDF files.
After numerous request the completed Inboard Deep V is available for sale. Additions include engine stringers (suited to Merc 4.3) modified transom, rear lounge, bulkhead,engine cover and a sub floor to suit storage and add rigidity. A fairly basic version again suited to those looking for a similar project to the Donzi Sweet 16.
No jig is supplied as the keel is set using two heights from the baseline so set-up is quite simple. Eight frames in total, engine blocks are provide but only suitable for Mercruiser spacings. Please email us with any queries you may have on any particular inboard set-up so we can establish suitability.
Rear lounge is made up of 3 sections allowing the center to come away for access to engine compartment. https://smallboatsmonthly.com/article/bunduki/ is a lengthened version and built by Brian Reford at the Lyme Regis Building Academy, special thanks to Small Boats Magazine!
Plans provided as PDF files for full size printing.
CNC cutting files included.
Inspired by the Donzi Sweet 16, the Deep V Outboard is set out to accommodate those who prefer an outboard version.
The cockpit area has been opened up allowing more room for seating and customisation.
Outboard well is suited to long shaft, which are readily available.
Plans provided as full size PDF files for full size printing.
Included CNC cutting files.
This is a scaled up version of Bruce Crandall’s famous Flyer. Due to many requests, Super Flyer was drawn up, providing identical lines and looks as the original 15 footer. The larger Flyer allows for more room in the cockpit area for those wishing to include back to back seats for passengers.
Plans Include CNC files and full size PDF files.
Riva’s only outboard designed in the early 50’s with a 25hp Evinrude. Some 140 models were built between 1950 and 1957. We have been fortunate enough to have received a good set of plans that cover all details enabling us to replicate this little treasure.
Frames include double gussets, seat risers, side battens, keel cut-outs and all other details as per original plans. Dimensions are stated in millimeters and in imperial (inches)
At 14 feet there are 9 frames in total spaced at 440 mm or about 17 inches, details on seating and floors is also included ensuring a very close if not exact replica for those happy to put in the effort
Plans provided in PDF format for full size printing
Ladder style jig included in plans
Bullet 13' 6" by Switzercraft.
The frames can be CNC cut from the DXF files supplied, Bullet is such a low riding speedboat, ring frames are a great way to go. This is truly a treasure from the past, designed years ahead of it’s time and really suited to any level of experience…This is the original Bullet as designed and built by Switzercraft. As there is some ambiguity over the rear transom, both a flat and a 15 degrees version are provided.
With kind thanks to Bob Switzer for his help and construction images on the Bullet!
Also available is our custom 16’ Bullet.
Plans provided as PDF files for full size printing, CNC cut files provided.
Zephyr, a 16 foot stepped Hydroplane. Reproduced from the original offsets and plans by A.A.Apel. I found this to be a very advanced design in that the stringers start at the transom and end at Frame 2. Other than its impressive deck lines, Zephyr lends itself to a variety of engine sizes through its generous beam. These tested plan have the corrected offsets incorporated into the lines so is suitable for full size construction without the need for correcting the lines and attempting to fair frames. Original offsets are notorious for errors as they were often measured up as a matter of record rather than used to build.
In brief, there are 16 frames including the transom, full length stringers, dual stepped keel set up, engine hatch assay and seat assay.
Construction plans included heights from base and a custom ladder style building jig.
Plans provided in PDF format for full size printing.
Riva Aquarama 27 foot.
Possibly the most famous wooden boat worldwide, the Aquarama was an intricate design with a ground breaking approach to both comfort and quality.
She was designed with a bizarre frame set up ranging from 6 inches and up, most likely to accommodate the running gear of the time.
This version has all frames spaced at 18” and the double stringers for twin V8 installation! Each frame has its own full size plan so NO LOFTING required! 3D models are also provided as a visual aid in examining the construction. This version is from the original sheet plans and a full size building jig is also included.
Builders may also scale down the plans to create a proportionally smaller craft, even down to model size, say 1:10.
Floors and cockpits are full defined as is the anchor well, rear sun lounge, transom and rear deck skid.
It’s a very seaworthy and proven hull for those looking to build a large offshore boat for friends and family.
The video below was taken of the 23 Riva replica launch, Belle et Rebelle built by David.
Plans provided in PDF format for full size printing