Owens Flagship

Chesapeake Bay Builders Golden Age 1958-1970 $20,000-$55,000

Why it matters

Owens Yacht Company was Baltimore's boat builder, producing quality wooden cruisers for the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. The Flagship was their top-of-the-line sedan cruiser — comfortable, capable, and built for the conditions of the mid-Atlantic. When Baltimore families cruised the Bay, they often did it in an Owens.

Specifications

Hull Material Mahogany planking on oak frames
Length 28-35 ft
Beam 10 ft 6 in
Draft 3 ft
Weight 8,000-12,000 lbs
Engine Twin Chrysler or Crusader
Engine Type inboard
Horsepower 400-500 hp total
Passengers 8
Production Hundreds built

Notable Features

  • Baltimore heritage
  • Sedan bridge option
  • Twin engine power
  • Chesapeake Bay cruising

Patina notes

Owens boats show their Chesapeake heritage. The salt air left its mark on the hardware. The cabin soles are worn from family traffic. The flybridge areas show sun damage from decades of Bay cruising. The patina is distinctly mid-Atlantic.

Preservation reality

Owens boats are less well-known than Chris Craft, which means values are lower for similar quality. A project Flagship might cost $10,000-$15,000. Restored examples reach $45,000-$55,000. The Baltimore area still has expertise in these boats.

Clubs

  • Owens Yacht Club
  • Antique and Classic Boat Society

Events

  • Baltimore Antique Boat Show
  • Chesapeake Bay cruising rallies

Sources