Chesapeake Bay Builders

Chesapeake Bay region

Heritage

The deadrise hull is the Chesapeake's signature — a V-shaped bottom that handles the bay's chop while providing a stable platform for watermen. Every boat was hand-built, and no two are exactly alike. The ones still working are living heritage.

Known for

workboatfishing

Boats by Chesapeake Bay Builders

Carolina Flare

Carolina boat builders developed the flared bow to handle the steep seas of the Gulf Stream. The des...

1950-present

Chesapeake Bay Buy Boat

Buy boats were the tractor-trailers of the Chesapeake. They'd anchor among the tonging and dredging ...

1880-1960

Chesapeake Bay Deadrise

The deadrise is the Chesapeake Bay. Watermen have worked these boats for a century — crabbing, oyste...

1900-present

Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe

The log canoe is America's oldest racing class still active. Maryland watermen built these from mult...

1800-present

Chesapeake Bay Pungy

The pungy was the thoroughbred of the Chesapeake oystering fleet. Faster than skipjacks, they were b...

1840-1920

Chesapeake Bay Skipjack

The skipjack is Maryland's state boat, and the last working sail fleet in the United States. Marylan...

1890-1960

Chesapeake Crabbing Skiff

The crabbing skiff is the pickup truck of the Chesapeake. Every waterman has one (or three). It's th...

1950-present

Downeast Lobster Boat

The Downeast is the elegant cousin of the working lobster boat. Same seaworthy hull, same practical ...

1920-present

Herreshoff 12½

Nathanael Herreshoff was the greatest yacht designer in American history. He designed America's Cup ...

1914-1943

Jersey Sea Skiff

Jersey sea skiffs were designed for the specific challenge of launching through surf. The flat stern...

1920-1980

Maine Lobster Boat

The Maine lobster boat is the culmination of a century of North Atlantic evolution. Every line serve...

1940-present

Owens Flagship

Owens Yacht Company was Baltimore's boat builder, producing quality wooden cruisers for the Chesapea...

1958-1970

Richardson Express Cruiser

Richardson Boat Company built serious cruising boats in North Tonawanda, New York. The Express Cruis...

1955-1968