What Are The New Top 10 Collectable Boats Out There?
Two amazing Donzis! Berts Donzi Baby and BB – YNOT Yachts
For those of you visiting us for the first time, you might be wondering, people collect boats? Really! One boat is enough… Oh contraire! Classic boats can be fun to collect, and since many are designed for specific uses, its not unusual to use several of them in a weekend. So, we ask today, what do you think are the top collectable boats for this decade? We will take a stab here to get this started.
Glaspars are cool! – Owner Pat Harris
- Correct Craft
- Chris-Craft XK Series
- Chris Crafts in general
- Donzi
- Boston Whaler
- Glaspar
- Painted Woody’s
- Bertam
- Glastron
- Riva
OK, OK, I know I missed some stuff. And of course the fiberglass category is a huge in its complexity, and there are cools brands that are very extreme, but as to collectable, there are two camps, the extreme designs, and usable boats. Some brands do both?
Correct Craft – Seth Katz owner
Also we kept Chris Craft in there because there will always be a market for Chris Crafts. But what are the emerging brands? If you are looking around for a new collectable fix, maybe its a plastic boat, a cool Bertram? Or one of the countless others out there. The point here is that to make something collectable there has to be a group of folks that also like them. A small club, gatherings, and a market for the brand so parts can be found and made. Otherwise, its still collectable, but you may be the only one with one! Which is cool. But? What are your thoughts today?
One bad ass Glastron on the St Johns Cruise!
I’ve rode on “Old Bert” for the river cruise. Neat boat.
That is a cool boat and was looking for a shot of it! Thanks Jim Staib of Fine Wood Boats. Our trusty parts source. Plug Here http://finewoodboats.com/
I would add early Checkmate boats. Most were grossly overpowered by their owners causing them to chine walk. Scary as heck but throttled back to where it was designed fun as all get out.
I agree, I own a 79′ Predicter. Great looking boat, but a chine walking b—- over 45mph riding solo.
Cigarette.
It has a big following and the little Cigs are very hard to come by.
1978 Cigarette 20!!! Slowly bringing mine to life.
Was this pic taken at this years Antique Boat Museun show in Clayton, NY?
Yes it was.
Old Boston Whalers are always fun to varnish
Baja, Checkmate, Concord, , All offshore boats like early Arrnow , Formula to Fountain and others. Shaida and other California go fast boats.
Many of the early offshore hull designs have become collectable. Selected designs from Formula, Donzi , Magnum, Cigarette, Bertram, Nova, Martini to name a few. The key to their popularity is actually the designers like Ray Hunt, Sonny Levi, Walt Walters, Jim Wynne and other giants of marine design.
I have just started a complete restoration of a 1965 Formula Jr. This boat is a fiberglass version of the Wynne-Walters Wynn Mill II wooden racer that was made for recreational purposes as the 2nd design offered by Formula Boats. There were only about 150 of these made over 4 years. Mine is purported to be hull #2.
Collectability, is truly in the eye of the beholder and influenced by the company you keep. There are so many niche communities that it would be impossible to amass a true comprehensive list of the top collectable boats. One thing is clear, and that it is specific models and not just any boat from a specific marque that commands true collectability.
Glad someone else mentioned the Formula Jr. I love these boats! But then again I love all Formulas it seems. Currently have a ’85 242LS and a ’91 36PC.
Is it odd that I like the Formulas and the CC Connies?
Also Love those late ’50’s fins.
As far as woodyboater collectors go, I think the fiberglass Century boats would be high on their to 10 list… Some are really cool!
Smaller wooden boats from 15′ to 17′, a bit more manageable for the novice builder, easier to trailer and will fit in most garages.
I’m going with the smaller offshore racer based boats (boats easily trailerable and stored) because racing dna is so sexy, and Centurys, ’cause they’re so over-the-top.
How about a 1975 23ft Sea Craft center console with a straight inboard (351 Ford Windsor). Beautifully restored!
I like all classic boats! Right now I have a ’88 Century Coronado.
My desert island, fiberglastics:
C-C 30′ (Ray Hunt) Sportsman
Century Coronado
C-C Lancer 23′ (inboard)
Bertram Moppie
C-C X19
Century Resorter 18
How about the Dorsett!! Sadly, I didn’t get a tiger when I purchased mine but I can tell you it is one fun ride. And there is nothing better than a Catalina Wine Mixer.
Yup, I agree, I restored a 62 Catalina 7 or 8 years ago, what a cool fun little cruiser!
JAG
That boat was sweet, John, but not as cool as your Arena Craft or XK.
I have a 15ft checkmate that is decent but could be restored[I would] that I will give to some one,actually I have an aristocraft also that needs a deck,it is an early one no motors or trailers, that will get someone started Bill
A year ago I purchased this Correct Craft Ski Nautique. The original owner was Jeff Jobe. Although I have three prewar Chris Crafts this is the boat the grandkids are learning to water ski behind.
Chris Craft 1969 19′ Commander Super-Sport and Chris-Craft XK-19’s (preferably early inboards).
It’s rare a boat catches the fancy of collectors in a similar fashion to the way a classic car does.
These particular Chris-Crafts align nicely with the best designs of the muscle car era. Dick Avery did beautiful work.
What? You didn’t include the I/O version of the XK-19?
Let’s not forget the Dan Arena’s……
A boat from down under – Flightcraft XL tournament -87, now in northern part of Sweden. Original boat and perfect for speed, waterskiing and barefooting. A collector boat.
Glastron/Carlson boats used in James Bond movies are cool!
1970-75 Fino. These are my favorites. Modeled after the Italian Riva they were, and still are very unique. This boat is in its original Miami Dolphins Livery. The original owner was also an owner of the Dolphins.
Correct Craft Paragon. Must be seen, bad photo.
Buehler Jet and early Hydrodyne ski-boats have always caught my eye…
my favorite newer classic is 30 Chris Craft sportsman designed by Ray hunt
PLASTIC????
Hmmmm
Since we already have 2 from Matt’s list, I’m probably a little biased. Just need a larger garage for the other 8….and a Dan Arena, and a Cigarette, and a 30′ CC Sportsman.
Part II…..one of Matt’s best headers 🙂
My 1969 Formula Thunderbird Jr
1969 Formula
Could you please e-maim me some more pics of this 69 Formula? dcsconroy@gmail.com Thanks, Sean
Let me throw a Nova in the mix
I love that Nova and always want to THANK YOU for bringing her back to life 🙂
My list is all the above….
How about a 1967 28′ Donzi / Magnum ?
I like the ’50s to early ’70’s lapstrake-style MFGs. Tons were sold as low-maintenance alternatives to Lymans.
1967 Wacanda, produced in Colville WA, with 1963 Mercury 1000
VERY COOL OLD SCHOOL… NOT THE GENERIC STUFF OF LATE.
My grandfather’s 1964 Wacanda; located in Helena, MT. Cherished, enjoyed and all original paint and upholstery! Still has original receipt, title and owner’s manual.