Chesapeake Bay Builders
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
Boats by Chesapeake Bay Builders
Carolina Flare
Carolina boat builders developed the flared bow to handle the steep seas of the Gulf Stream. The de...
Chesapeake Bay Buy Boat
Buy boats were the tractor-trailers of the Chesapeake. They'd anchor among the tonging and dredging...
Chesapeake Bay Deadrise
The deadrise is the Chesapeake Bay. Watermen have worked these boats for a century — crabbing, oyste...
Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe
The log canoe is America's oldest racing class still active. Maryland watermen built these from mul...
Chesapeake Bay Pungy
The pungy was the thoroughbred of the Chesapeake oystering fleet. Faster than skipjacks, they were b...
Chesapeake Bay Skipjack
The skipjack is Maryland's state boat, and the last working sail fleet in the United States. Maryla...
Chesapeake Crabbing Skiff
The crabbing skiff is the pickup truck of the Chesapeake. Every waterman has one (or three). It's t...
Downeast Lobster Boat
The Downeast is the elegant cousin of the working lobster boat. Same seaworthy hull, same practical...
Herreshoff 12½
Nathanael Herreshoff was the greatest yacht designer in American history. He designed America's Cup ...
Jersey Sea Skiff
Jersey sea skiffs were designed for the specific challenge of launching through surf. The flat ster...
Maine Lobster Boat
The Maine lobster boat is the culmination of a century of North Atlantic evolution. Every line serve...
Owens Flagship
Owens Yacht Company was Baltimore's boat builder, producing quality wooden cruisers for the Chesapea...
Richardson Express Cruiser
Richardson Boat Company built serious cruising boats in North Tonawanda, New York. The Express Crui...