Skip to product information
1 of 8

Captain Heritage

Flyer 15ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Flyer 15ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Regular price $18,752.00 USD
Regular price $18,752.00 USD Sale price $18,752.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Flyer 15ft - Class C Hydroplane The Flyer 15Ft. is a striking pre-war hydroplane originally designed around 1936 by Bruce N. Crandall. As the largest of Crandall's hydroplanes, built for Class C (135 cubic inch) racing, Flyer represents a bold chapter in early American powerboat competition-where lightweight construction and raw speed defined success. Our workshop faithfully recreates the Flyer using premium marine materials including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and US-made Hexcel fiberglass, sealed with System Three marine spar varnish. Each boat is handcrafted through the traditional plank-on-frame method, requiring approximately 4-5 months of dedicated craftsmanship. Clients may customize wood selection, finish, cockpit detailing, and structural options to match their vision while preserving the boat's historic racing character. Every frame has been carefully redrawn from the original line drawings and table of offsets to ensure accuracy and ease of assembly. The structure consists of 15 precisely shaped frames, dual keels, twin hatch assembly, vertical cleats, gas tank mounts, driver's bench seat, breast hook, and reinforced front and rear stems with knees. True to the original construction, the Flyer is designed for 3/8″ planking, maintaining the lightweight yet rigid structure essential to hydroplane performance. Low, narrow, and purpose-built, the Flyer embodies the aggressive stance and speed-focused engineering that defined 1930s racing culture. Principal Dimensions - Overall Length: 15ft - Waterline Length: 14.8ft - Length of Afterplane: 5.8ft - Step Height: 1.5in - Waterline Beam: 5ft - Beam of Running Surfaces at Step: 40in - Beam at Transom: 16in These carefully calculated proportions highlight the Flyer's stepped hydroplane configuration - designed to reduce wetted surface, increase lift, and maximize straight-line speed within Class C competition limits. 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. Designed in approximately 1936 by Bruce N. Crandall, the Flyer 15′ was developed for the highly competitive Class C racing category, restricted to 135 cubic inch engines. During this era, American hydroplane racing was defined by technical experimentation and precision wooden construction, with designers striving to balance structural lightness and high-speed stability. As Crandall's largest hydroplane design, Flyer incorporated a stepped hull form to improve lift and reduce drag-an advanced concept for its time. Its carefully engineered dimensions, narrow transom, and defined running surfaces were optimized for acceleration and top-end performance. Today, the Flyer remains a powerful representation of pre-war hydroplane innovation-an authentic racing craft that preserves the daring spirit and craftsmanship of early American speedboat competition.
Contact us! View full details

Collapsible content

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

List the details of your shipping policy.

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.

Product video availabe here!