Wooden Boat USA
Switzer Craft Bullet 16ft Custom Built Replica Boat
Switzer Craft Bullet 16ft Custom Built Replica Boat
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Description:
The Switzer Craft Bullet 16ft is a legendary 1950s American wooden speedboat, renowned for its sleek torpedo-shaped hull and thrilling high-speed performance. As one of the most recognizable racing runabouts of the golden age of wooden powerboats, the Bullet is admired for its agility, stability, and streamlined mid-century design. Today, it remains highly desirable among classic boat collectors and vintage racing enthusiasts.
Our workshop faithfully recreates the Switzer Craft Bullet as a full-scale, handcrafted wooden speedboat replica. Each build is constructed using premium marine materials, including Western Red Cedar, Teak, Mahogany, and US-made Hexcel fiberglass reinforced with epoxy resin and protected by System Three marine spar varnish. Built using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method, every boat requires several months of skilled craftsmanship and detailed finishing.
Each replica is fully customizable—allowing adjustments to dimensions, wood species, deck layout, cockpit configuration, upholstery, hardware finishes, and personalized markings—ensuring every vessel reflects the owner’s vision.
Defined by its long, tapered bow, flowing deck contours, and mirror-like varnished wood finish, the Switzer Craft Bullet embodies both elegance and speed. The low-profile cockpit, polished chrome fittings, and precision detailing stay true to the original racing heritage. Its slender hydrodynamic hull delivers smooth acceleration, responsive handling, and impressive stability, making it ideal for lake performance boating or as a showpiece celebrating classic American marine design.
Key Features & Specifications
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Length Overall (LOA): 16 feet
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Beam: 6 ft 3 in
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Design Type: Proportional upscale of the original low-riding, high-speed wooden racing runabout
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Construction: Hardwood frame with wood strip planking, reinforced with fiberglass and epoxy resin
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Transom Options: Available in both flat and 15-degree transom configurations
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Suitability: Designed for a wide range of boating experience levels with a straightforward setup and balanced handling
Every wooden boat we produce is built from authentic classic wooden boat plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order. We offer both full-size custom wooden boats and finely detailed scale models for collectors and enthusiasts.
Contact Us
Bring your Switzer Craft Bullet replica to life. Contact us today to discuss customization options, production timelines, and pricing details.
Note
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Pricing starts at $17,000 for the wooden hull only (motor not included).
History
The Switzer Craft Bullet emerged during the 1950s as one of America’s most iconic wooden racing boats. Originally engineered for competitive racing and high-speed recreational boating, the Bullet combined lightweight wooden construction with precise hull balance, delivering impressive acceleration and control on lakes and inland waterways.
Its sleek torpedo profile and carefully proportioned hull provided both hydrodynamic efficiency and visual impact. Celebrated for its engineering innovation and distinctive style, the Bullet quickly became a symbol of mid-century American performance boating.
Today, original Switzer Craft Bullet boats are prized collector’s items. Modern handcrafted replicas preserve the spirit of the original while incorporating updated marine construction techniques and premium materials. Each build captures the performance, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal that define one of the most celebrated classic American speedboats of the 20th century.
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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
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.