Wooden Boat USA
Chris Craft Cobra 18 Ft. Custom Built Relica Boat
Chris Craft Cobra 18 Ft. Custom Built Relica Boat
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Description:
The Chris-Craft Cobra 18' is an iconic American runabout from the 1950s, admired for its sleek silhouette, aerodynamic form, and powerful yet graceful performance. Representing the golden age of wooden speedboats, the Cobra blended race-inspired engineering with luxurious post-war styling. Its streamlined contours, elegant proportions, and distinctive deck fin have made it one of the most recognizable and collectible wooden boats ever built.
In our workshop, each Cobra 18' is handcrafted using Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass, finished with System Three marine spar varnish for durability and sheen. Following the traditional plank-on-frame construction, every replica takes approximately 4–5 months to complete. Owners may fully customize their boats, from hull size, wood selection, and finish to cockpit design, upholstery, seating arrangement, and unique personal markings—creating a truly bespoke masterpiece.
Defined by its finely tapered bow, gleaming mahogany planks, and deep mirror-like varnish, the Chris-Craft Cobra 18' captures both beauty and performance. Its polished chrome fittings, low cockpit lines, and signature fiberglass fin give it a bold, unmistakable presence on the water. The boat’s streamlined hull provides excellent stability and smooth handling, ensuring an exhilarating yet elegant ride every time.
Every handcrafted element—each plank, curve, and fitting—pays tribute to one of America’s most admired mid-century designs, preserving the legacy of a speedboat that continues to inspire admiration worldwide.
Basic Dimensions:
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Length Overall (LOA): 18 ft (≈ 216 in)
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Actual Hull Length: ≈ 17 ft 8 in (212 in)
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Beam (Width): ≈ 6 ft 2 in (74 in)
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Draft: ~14–18 in (depending on engine and load)
Construction:
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Hull Material: Mahogany and cedar wood hull with premium handcrafted finish — a hallmark of Chris-Craft quality.
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Distinctive Styling: Front fiberglass fin and hatch beautifully integrated into the wooden structure.
Engine & Performance:
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Original Engine: Hercules KBL 6-cylinder, triple-carbureted (~131 hp).
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Engine Placement: Inboard configuration, conventional drive system.
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Recommended Motor: V6 marine engine between 130–180 hp.
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Performance: The 18' Cobra reaches brisk speeds around 30 knots, with its larger 21' sibling capable of even more when fitted with V8 power.
Layout & Capacity:
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Seating: One full-width bench for 3–4 adults.
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Cockpit Style: Open runabout with a low, sporty profile.
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Design Inspiration: Marketed as the “sports car of the water,” the Cobra featured automotive influences such as a sweeping rear fin, stylish dashboard, and sport-inspired upholstery.
Each wooden boat we craft is built from authentic, time-honored plans, with full credit to the original designers. For every custom commission, we source the correct plans and build each vessel to order — available as full-size boats or museum-quality scale models.
Note: Prices start at $32,900, covering the wooden hull only (motor, hardware, and shipping not included).
History:
Introduced in the early 1950s, the Chris-Craft Cobra 18' was conceived as a high-performance luxury speedboat combining power, elegance, and advanced hydrodynamic design. Its lightweight wooden hull and refined lines delivered exceptional speed and maneuverability, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts and leisure boaters alike.
Celebrated for its perfect blend of artistry and innovation, the Cobra 18' soon became an enduring emblem of post-war American boatbuilding excellence. Its graceful form, agile handling, and meticulous detailing earned it legendary status among collectors.
Even today, the Chris-Craft Cobra 18' remains a timeless icon. Each handcrafted replica honors the spirit of the original, allowing enthusiasts to relive the thrill, craftsmanship, and prestige that made the Cobra a defining classic of the wooden speedboat era.
Contact us
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special?
Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.
- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more.
- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories.
- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.
About Woodenboat USA™
The story of time-honored traditions of boat building.
More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.
Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.
Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.
FAQ's
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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?
Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.
You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?
We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.
What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?
A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.
What type of boats do you build?
Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.
What methods do you use to build the boats?
Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.
How do I order?
Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.
How long does an order take?
Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.
How do you ship it?
We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.
How do I become a distributor of your products?
We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.
What kind of warranty can I expect?
For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.
Guidelines for use
CARE:
With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.
- It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
- Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.
STORAGE:
Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.
- Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
- Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
- Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.
REPAIR:
Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.
SAFETY:
Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.