Description:
The Chris Craft U22 Sportsman is an iconic 1950s American luxury wooden sports boat, celebrated for its clean lines, balanced proportions, and versatile on-water performance. Originally designed for family cruising and recreational boating, the U22 perfectly blends speed, comfort, and timeless styling—making it one of the most admired post-war wooden powerboats among collectors and enthusiasts.
Our workshop builds each custom Chris Craft U22 Sportsman replica using premium marine materials, including Red Cedar, Teak, Mahogany, and US-made Hexcel fiberglass, sealed with System Three marine spar varnish for a deep, high-gloss finish and long-term protection. The hull is precisely shaped to replicate the authentic U22 profile, delivering smooth handling, reliable stability, and true-to-original performance.
Traditional plank-on-frame woodworking craftsmanship is combined with modern fiberglass and epoxy reinforcement to ensure structural durability while preserving the elegance of classic wooden boat construction.
The replica features a spacious and practical open utility layout, including handcrafted wooden seating, dashboard, steering console, engine box, and polished chrome hardware—faithfully recreated to reflect the original 1950s design. Every element, from upholstery and finishes to hardware details and layout configuration, can be fully customized to meet your preferences. This handcrafted wooden boat is ideal for those who value vintage American craftsmanship, classic nautical design, and high-quality custom boatbuilding.
Key Specifications:
-
Length: 22 feet (22.17 ft)
-
Beam: 87 3/4 inches (approximately 7.08 ft)
-
Horsepower: Originally 130–135 HP (Model M); many boats are repowered for modern performance
-
Construction: Wooden hull with wood strip planking reinforced by fiberglass cloth and epoxy
-
Passenger Capacity: Typically configured to seat 7–9 passengers
Key Features:
-
Design Layout: Large open utility configuration with rear bench seating, engine box, and windshield
-
Cultural Recognition: Famously featured in the film On Golden Pond
-
Reputation: Considered one of the most practical and versatile post-war Chris-Craft models
Every wooden boat we produce is crafted from authentic classic wooden boat plans, with full acknowledgment given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order. We offer both full-size handcrafted boats and highly detailed scale models for collectors and display.
Contact Us
Start building your custom Chris Craft U22 Sportsman replica today. Contact us to discuss specifications, customization options, and production timelines.
Note:
-
Pricing starts at $30,000 for the wooden hull only (motor, hardware, and shipping not included).
History:
The Chris Craft U22 Sportsman stands as a defining symbol of post-war American recreational boating. Introduced in the early 1950s, the U22 was developed to meet the rising demand for stylish yet practical family leisure boats. Chris Craft, already renowned for premium wooden boat craftsmanship, designed the U22 to balance refined aesthetics with dependable performance.
Its sleek hull lines and carefully engineered proportions provided smooth handling across lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. The intelligently arranged deck layout emphasized comfort, accessibility, and social boating—making it a popular choice for weekend cruising, family outings, and waterside gatherings during the golden era of American wooden powerboats.
Over the decades, the U22 Sportsman has remained highly sought-after by collectors for its handcrafted wooden construction, polished chrome accents, and unmistakable 1950s styling. Today, owning a Chris Craft U22 replica is both a tribute to classic American boatbuilding heritage and a celebration of timeless maritime craftsmanship, bringing the elegance and legacy of this iconic vessel back to life.
