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Captain Heritage

Ski-Dart 17ft (1960) Custom Built Wooden Boat

Ski-Dart 17ft (1960) Custom Built Wooden Boat

Regular price $21,252.00 USD
Regular price $21,252.00 USD Sale price $21,252.00 USD
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The 1960 Century Ski-Dart 17 is a lean and athletic classic runabout, designed specifically for the rigors of water skiing and high-speed lake activity. With its clean lines, low-profile hull, and functional open-cockpit layout, the Ski-Dart emphasizes performance over ornamentation. It is a quintessential "driver's boat," offering a raw and connected experience to the water that few vintage vessels can replicate. Our workshop builds faithful recreations of the 1960 Ski-Dart using premium marine Mahogany, Western Red Cedar, and Teak-reinforced with fiberglass cloth and sealed with high-grade marine epoxy. Each boat is handcrafted using traditional plank-on-frame methods, finished with multiple coats of marine spar varnish to highlight the natural beauty of the wood while providing a rugged, durable finish. The hardware is kept period-correct, focusing on the functional elegance original to the 1960 design. Typical build time ranges from 4-6 months depending on customization. General Characteristics: - Functional open cockpit optimized for gear and movement - Flat-bottom hull design for minimal wake and superior tracking - Mid-mounted inboard engine for ideal weight distribution - Classic vertical-slat mahogany transom Dimension: - Length Overall (LOA): 17ft - Beam: Approx. 6.8ft - Draft: Approx. 2ft - Passenger Capacity: Typically 5-6 persons - Original Power: Inline 6-cylinder or small V8 inboard Performance & Use: Designed for explosive holeshot power and precise handling, the Ski-Dart 17 is the perfect choice for active families and vintage ski enthusiasts. Its lightweight construction and powerful inboard drive make it an exceptional performer for towing, while its classic wood aesthetic ensures it remains a head-turner at any local dock or classic boat show. Disclaimer: Ski-Dart 17ft is a design by Century Boats. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Century Boats in any way. The 1960 Century Ski-Dart 17 was introduced as the ultimate purpose-built machine for the burgeoning water skiing craze of the early sixties. Unlike the more ornate and heavy luxury cruisers of the time, the Ski-Dart was engineered with a focus on utility, agility, and a flat wake. It was a "no-nonsense" tow boat that offered Century's legendary wood craftsmanship in a lighter, more athletic package, making it an immediate favorite for ski schools and competitive enthusiasts who needed a reliable workhorse with a stylish edge. The 1960 model is particularly significant as it refined the Ski-Dart's hull for better tracking and stability during sharp turns. Built primarily with African Mahogany, it featured a minimalist interior to maximize floor space for ski gear and observers. While other Century models leaned into "Space Age" chrome and fins, the 1960 Ski-Dart remained a pure driver's boat-renowned for its rapid acceleration and the ability to pull multiple skiers with ease, cementing its legacy as one of the pioneers of the modern ski boat.
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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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