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Captain Heritage

21ft "Pretty Marsh" Wooden Runabout | Custom Build Consultation Deposit

21ft "Pretty Marsh" Wooden Runabout | Custom Build Consultation Deposit

$100.00 USD
$100.00 USD $100.00 USD
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The 21ft Pretty Marsh Runabout is a refined Downeast-inspired wooden speedboat designed by Doug Hylan. Drawing from Maine's traditional coastal craft, this 21-foot runabout blends seaworthy hull form with elegant sheer lines and a practical cockpit layout. The design reflects Hylan's signature approach-combining working-boat heritage with recreational performance and timeless wooden aesthetics. Our workshop faithfully recreates this distinguished design using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and fiberglass reinforcement sealed with marine-grade epoxy and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each vessel is handcrafted using traditional wooden construction methods, ensuring structural integrity while preserving authentic craftsmanship. Clean deck detailing, a well-balanced helm position, and carefully finished interior elements highlight meticulous build quality. Typical construction time ranges from 5-7 months depending on configuration and customization. Clients may tailor engine configuration (inboard or outboard), cockpit seating arrangement, dashboard layout, hardware finish, upholstery selection, and deck accents-creating a fully bespoke classic runabout suited to personal cruising style. General Specifications: - Designer: Doug Hylan - Length Overall (LOA): 21ft - Beam: 7.3ft - Draft: 13 1/2″ - Displacement: 2800lbs - Propulsion: 80-200 hp inboard or outboard engine This wooden boat crafted by us is built from woodenboat.com plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order-offering both full-size boats and finely detailed scale models. Disclaimer: 21' Pretty Marsh Runabout is a design by Doug Hylan. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Doug Hylan in any way. Contact us to explore specifications, customization options, and build schedules for your 21 Pretty Marsh Runabout. The 21' Pretty Marsh Runabout was designed by Doug Hylan as a modern interpretation of Maine's traditional Downeast working boats. Drawing inspiration from the lobster boats and inshore utility craft that have operated for generations along the New England coast, Hylan refined their seaworthy hull forms into an elegant recreational runabout. The design preserves hallmark features such as a flared bow, moderate draft, and balanced sheer-elements historically valued for their ability to handle variable coastal conditions. Created during the late 20th-century resurgence of interest in custom wooden boatbuilding, the Pretty Marsh Runabout reflects a broader movement that sought to reconnect modern boating with regional craftsmanship. Rather than replicating high-speed mahogany racers of the mid-century era, Hylan focused on practical performance, fuel efficiency, and everyday usability-qualities long associated with Maine's boatbuilding heritage. The 21-foot length was carefully chosen to provide generous cockpit space while maintaining trailerability and ease of ownership. Today, the 21' Pretty Marsh Runabout stands as a respected example of contemporary classic design. It bridges tradition and modern recreation, honoring the functional roots of Downeast boats while adapting them for comfortable day cruising. As part of Doug Hylan's portfolio of thoughtfully proportioned wooden craft, it continues to embody the enduring values of New England maritime design-simplicity, seaworthiness, and timeless wooden elegance.
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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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