Wooden Boat USA
Hacker Craft Evangeline Special 33 foot runabout 1924 Custom Built Replica Boat
Hacker Craft Evangeline Special 33 foot runabout 1924 Custom Built Replica Boat
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Description
The Hacker Eva Special 33' is an exceptional American wooden runabout that captures the grace and sophistication of early twentieth-century powerboat design. Recognized for its long, flowing lines and well-proportioned form, this remarkable vessel reflects a time when craftsmanship, luxury, and smooth performance were harmoniously combined to create boats of enduring distinction.
Each Hacker Eva Special 33' is handcrafted in our workshop using select materials including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Built with the traditional plank-on-frame method, every project takes about 4–5 months to complete with meticulous attention to detail. Clients can fully customize their order by selecting preferred wood types, finishes, deck configurations, interior details, and personalized features.
The Eva Special 33' features a sleek and balanced hull designed for confident cruising on lakes and calm coastal waters. Its polished decks, elegant fittings, and precisely crafted details highlight the artistry behind each build. Every plank and curve preserves the timeless silhouette and refined character that define this classic design.
Basic Dimensions
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Length Overall (LOA): 33 ft (≈ 396 in)
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Beam (Width): 8 ft
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Draft: 18–24 in, depending on load
Construction & Hull
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Original Builder: Hacker Boat Company, Detroit — one-off custom commission
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Designer: Naval architect John L. Hacker, renowned for pioneering early planing hulls
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Construction: Traditional mahogany hull featuring the signature Hacker runabout form
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Cockpit / Layout: Twin or triple cockpit arrangement typical of luxury runabouts of the era, designed for private leisure use
Engine & Performance
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Original Engine: Ford-built Capitol Liberty V-12 aircraft engine (World War I Liberty type), 1,650 cu. in., approximately 450 hp
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Performance: Historically recorded top speed of around 49 mph, exceptionally fast for a wooden runabout of the 1920s
Weight & Displacement
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Estimated Displacement: 6,000–8,000+ lb (≈ 2,722–3,628+ kg), depending on engine configuration, consistent with large single-engine wooden runabouts of the period
Historical Notes
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Built For: Henry Ford, as one of eight custom Hacker runabout hulls ordered for Ford family use in the early 1920s
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Name & Dedication: Named Evangeline after Evangeline Cote Dahlinger, a close associate of Henry Ford; this is the only surviving example of its type
Every wooden boat we create is based on authentic classic plans, with full acknowledgment to the original designers. For each commission, we acquire the correct plans and construct the boat to order—available as both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models.
Contact us to bring your Hacker Eva Special 33' to life!
Note: This deposit is non-refundable and will be credited toward your order. Prices start at $75,000 and apply to the wooden hull only (motor, hardware, and shipping not included).
History
Launched in 1924, the Hacker Eva Special 33' represents a refined chapter in American boatbuilding history. Developed during the golden age of wooden runabouts, it was created in an era when speed, craftsmanship, and elegance defined the height of nautical design.
With its long, low profile and beautifully contoured hull, the Eva Special 33' delivers effortless performance and timeless aesthetic appeal. Its construction embodies the renowned quality of Hacker Craft, where precision joinery and carefully chosen woods combine to produce strength, balance, and visual harmony.
During the 1920s, vessels like the Eva Special 33' became prized symbols of luxury and innovation, favored by discerning owners who sought comfort and distinction on the water. The boat’s refined engineering and classic proportions made it ideal for leisure cruising on lakes and protected coastal waters.
Today, the Hacker Eva Special 33' endures as a rare and celebrated icon of American maritime heritage. Preserved by collectors and admired by enthusiasts, it continues to stand as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, elegant design, and the enduring beauty of the wooden powerboat tradition.
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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.