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Captain Heritage

Class D Racer 15ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Class D Racer 15ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Regular price $18,752.00 USD
Regular price $18,752.00 USD Sale price $18,752.00 USD
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The Class D Racer 15.5ft is an iconic mid-century racing runabout born from the pen of David D. Beach (New Jersey, 1951), and brought back to life through faithful re-interpretation by Keith Brayer and Classic Wooden Boat Plans. Designed as a pocket-rocket performance craft, the Class D combines sleek proportions with purposeful hull form to deliver spirited handling and timeless vintage character. Our workshop faithfully recreates this historic design using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass finished with System Three marine spar varnish-built entirely by hand with the traditional plank-on-frame method. Every detail from the original aluminium cowling to the classic hull lines has been preserved, with new, modern full-size PDF plans that eliminate measuring, lofting, or corrections. Typical build time is 4-5 months of meticulous craftsmanship. Clients may customize dimensions, wood selection, finish, deck layout, and interior detailing to suit personal preferences-bringing a classic racing legend to life with bespoke touches. General Dimensions - Length Overall (LOA): 15′6″ (4.72 m) - Maximum Beam: 5′ 6″ (1.68 m) - Draft & Weight: To be confirmed based on construction choices; historical racing craft of this size were typically lightweight for performance, but exact specs vary by build and materials. Hull & Construction - Hull Material: Traditional wood plank-on-frame - Cowling: Original aluminium detail accurately reproduced in plans - Design Character: Racing runabout with purposeful hull shape; clean lines that emphasize speed and balance Performance & Use Originally envisioned as a high-performance racing runabout, Class D is designed for dynamic response and spirited handling in protected waters-ideal for vintage racing, classic boat events, or enthusiastic day cruising with a nod to heritage performance. Its classic proportions deliver a lively yet balanced ride that honors the era's approach to speed and style. This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Classic Wooden Plan, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the boat to order-offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models. Contact us to explore specifications, customization options, and build schedules for your Class D Racer! The Class D Racer 15′ 6″ was originally designed in 1951 by naval architect David D. Beach of New Jersey during the golden age of American small-boat racing. Created as a lightweight, high-performance runabout, it was intended for competitive Class D racing-where compact hulls, quick acceleration, and sharp handling defined success on the water. Decades later, the design was preserved and reintroduced through the efforts of Keith Brayer at Classic Wooden Boat Plans, who translated the original drawings into modern, full-size plans while retaining every authentic detail-including the distinctive aluminum cowling. Today, the Class D remains a spirited symbol of mid-century racing heritage and handcrafted performance.
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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.

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