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Captain Heritage

23ft "Heart's Desire II 1976" Atkin-Inspired Wooden Boat | Custom Build Consultation Deposit

23ft "Heart's Desire II 1976" Atkin-Inspired Wooden Boat | Custom Build Consultation Deposit

$100.00 USD
$100.00 USD $100.00 USD
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The Heart's Desire II is a compact cruising cutter that beautifully reflects the ingenuity of traditional small-yacht design. With its distinctive double-ended hull, balanced cutter rig, and thoughtful interior arrangement, the boat was conceived to provide comfortable cruising capability within a remarkably modest length. Measuring just under 23 feet overall, the vessel demonstrates how intelligent naval architecture can create a seaworthy and livable yacht without unnecessary complexity. Our workshop faithfully recreates this classic sailing craft using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and marine-grade plywood, reinforced with U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass cloth, sealed with marine epoxy, and finished with System Three marine spar varnish for long-lasting protection and a refined natural appearance. Each hull is handcrafted using traditional wooden boatbuilding methods, carefully shaping the hull structure to preserve the graceful lines and balanced proportions of the original design. Typical build time ranges from 4-6 months, depending on interior finish, rigging configuration, and customization requests. Clients may customize interior cabinetry, sail configuration, deck hardware, wood combinations, trim details, and protective finishes, allowing each Heart's Desire II to reflect personal preferences while maintaining the character of this classic cruising cutter. General Dimensions - Length Overall (LOA): 22.1ft - Length on Waterline (LWL): 21ft - Beam: 7.8ft - Draft: 2.7ft - Rig Type: Jib-headed cutter - Total Sail Area: 288 sq ft - Mainsail: 184 sq ft - Staysail: 45 sq ft - Jib: 59 sq ft Performance & Use: Designed for coastal cruising and protected offshore waters, Heart's Desire II offers a stable and reassuring sailing experience. The balanced cutter rig provides flexible sail handling in varying wind conditions, while the double-ended hull improves seaworthiness and directional stability. The modest draft allows access to shallow anchorages and quiet coastal inlets, making the boat ideal for relaxed exploration and traditional sailing enjoyment. This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Atkin, 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. Contact us to explore build schedules, finish options, and customization possibilities for your Heart's Desire II. The Heart's Desire II was designed during a period when small cruising yachts were evolving to balance seaworthiness, comfort, and manageable size. Naval architects sought to create compact vessels capable of extended coastal cruising while remaining affordable and easy for a small crew to handle. The design incorporates a unique combination of Sea Bright skiff underwater characteristics and V-bottom topsides, producing a hull that offers both stability and efficiency. The plumb stem and plumb stern, along with the graceful double-ended configuration, contribute to the boat's distinctive appearance while improving performance in varied sea conditions. A key objective in the design was solving the headroom challenge commonly found in small yachts. By using a broad double-ended keel and lowering the cabin floor within the hull structure, the designer was able to achieve over five feet of interior headroom without raising the cabin house excessively. This thoughtful engineering created a more comfortable interior space while preserving the boat's elegant profile. Originally conceived as a practical cruising cutter for a small crew, the vessel also included provisions for auxiliary power. Early plans recommended a single-cylinder 6-horsepower Baby Huskie Palmer engine, capable of propelling the boat at approximately six miles per hour-close to the efficient hull speed for a vessel of this size. Today, Heart's Desire II remains appreciated among traditional sailing enthusiasts for its efficient rig, classic proportions, and clever interior design, representing a thoughtful approach to small-yacht cruising that continues to inspire wooden boat builders and collectors.
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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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