1955 Chris-Craft Sea Skiff 18ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

The 18-foot 1955 Chris-Craft Sea Skiff represents one of the most practical and beloved utility boats of the post-war American boating era. Introduced by Chris-Craft as part of the highly successful Sea Skiff series (launched in 1950), this model combined durability, simplicity, and family-friendly versatility. Our workshop faithfully recreates this historic design using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass-sealed with System Three marine spar varnish. Each vessel is entirely handcrafted using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method, requiring approximately 4-5 months of meticulous craftsmanship. Every original design cue-from deck seams and king plank detailing to the balanced cockpit layout-is carefully preserved. General Dimensions: - Length Overall (LOA): 18ft - Beam: Approx. 7ft - Draft: Approx. 2ft - Passenger Capacity: Typically 6 persons - Original Power: Chris-Craft inline 6-cylinder inboard engine Performance & Use: Originally powered by a reliable 6-cylinder gasoline inboard (often 95-120 HP), the 18′ Sea Skiff delivered moderate planing speeds ideal for family cruising, fishing, and water skiing. The wide beam and stable hull form provided predictable handling and excellent load-carrying capability. The 1955 Sea Skiff was especially popular for: family lake cruising, light coastal boating, fishing and utility use, watersports in protected waters. Contact us today! The Sea Skiff line became one of Chris-Craft's longest-running and most commercially successful series. By adopting plywood lapstrake construction, Chris-Craft modernized production while keeping craftsmanship at the forefront-helping the brand remain competitive during the expanding recreational boating market of the 1950s. Today, the 18′ 1955 Sea Skiff is appreciated for its rugged charm, classic profile, and representation of mid-century American boating practicality-less flamboyant than varnished runabouts, yet equally authentic and historically important.