Wooden Boat USA
Garwood Speedster 16 ft. Custom Built Replica
Garwood Speedster 16 ft. Custom Built Replica
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Description
The Garwood Speedster 16' is a legendary American runabout that perfectly captures the excitement and refinement of the golden era of wooden powerboats. Compact in size yet bold in character, it embodies the era when craftsmanship, performance, and style united to create boats that were both fast and beautifully built.
Each Garwood Speedster 16' is meticulously handcrafted in our workshop using select materials such as Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass, all protected with System Three marine spar varnish. Constructed using the traditional plank-on-frame method, each build takes approximately 4–5 months to complete. Clients can choose from a wide range of customization options, including hull scale, wood type, finish, deck layout, interior details, and personalized features.
Designed for agility and smooth cruising, the Speedster 16' features a sleek, well-balanced hull that glides effortlessly across the water. The polished decks, refined fittings, and expertly shaped lines showcase the precision and artistry of its craftsmanship. Every plank and curve maintains the classic, dynamic profile that has made this runabout an enduring favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
Dimensions
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Length Overall (LOA): 16 ft (192 in)
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Beam (Max): 5 ft 6 in (66 in)
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Draft (Approx.): 16–18 in (depending on engine and load)
Weight & Capacity
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Estimated Hull Weight (wood only): ~1,200–1,400 lb
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Finished Weight (typical): ~1,600–1,900 lb (engine dependent)
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Passenger Capacity: 2 persons (authentic Speedster configuration)
Power & Drive
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Recommended Engine Power: 150–300 hp (commonly fitted with modern V6 or small-block V8 engines)
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Drive Type: Inboard, direct drive
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Propulsion: Single shaft with classic bronze propeller
Construction (as per plans)
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Hull Type: Hard-chine V-bottom runabout
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Bottom: Marine plywood (often double-planked or plywood with veneer)
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Sides & Deck: Mahogany veneer over marine plywood
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Frames: Laminated frames set closely for strength
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Deck Style: Long foredeck with aft open cockpit (true Speedster profile)
Layout
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Cockpit: Aft cockpit only
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Engine Location: Center, balanced fore and aft
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Seating: Two low bucket seats or single bench seat
Every wooden boat we craft is built from authentic, classic plans with full credit to the original designers. For each custom commission, we obtain the proper plans and construct each vessel to order—offering both full-size boats and finely detailed scale models.
Contact us to create your own Garwood Speedster 16' today!
Note: Prices start at $31,650 and apply to the wooden hull only (motor, hardware, and shipping not included).
History
The Garwood Speedster 16' represents one of the most spirited designs from the golden age of American wooden runabouts. Introduced when innovation and speed captivated boating enthusiasts, it combined compact proportions with elegant styling, giving it a bold yet graceful personality on the water.
Built for performance and pure enjoyment, the Speedster 16' offered quick acceleration, precise control, and smooth cruising, making it an instant favorite among sport boaters. Its construction upheld the renowned standards of Gar Wood craftsmanship—beautiful finishes,

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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.