K256 - Chris Craft Cobra 18 Ft. Custom Built Relica Boat

Specification: Item K256 - 216L x 74W x 0H Inches (548.6L x 188W x 0H Cm)

Note: This is a special made to order item, delivery usually take 30-90 days.
Custom features such as name plate or different paint schemes are available for additional charges. Please contact us for details.

Price: $ 32,750.00

Description:

The Chris Craft Cobra 18' is a legendary American speedboat from the 1950s, celebrated for its sleek, aerodynamic lines, lightweight hull, and performance-driven design. Known for its remarkable agility and smooth handling, the Cobra became an emblem of post-war American boating, combining racing prowess with classic luxury styling. Its elegant proportions and flowing deck lines make it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Our workshop meticulously recreates the Cobra 18' using premium Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and US -made Hexcel fiberglass with System Three marine spar varnish. Built entirely by hand using the traditional plank-on-frame method, each replica requires 4–5 months of careful craftsmanship. Every aspect of the boat can be fully customized, including hull dimensions, wood selection, finish, cockpit layout, seating, upholstery, and personalized markings, ensuring a one-of-a-kind vessel for each owner.

Distinguished by its tapered bow, smooth mahogany planking, and deep mirror-like varnish, the Chris Craft Cobra 18' exhibits both elegance and hydrodynamic efficiency. Its low-profile cockpit, polished chrome fittings, and signature flowing deck curves create a distinctive silhouette instantly recognizable to boating enthusiasts. The slender, streamlined hull allows for stability at speed, making every cruise a graceful experience on the water.

Every curve, handcrafted fitting, and finish detail pays homage to one of America’s most admired mid-century speedboats, preserving the legacy of a vessel that represents the golden era of wooden powerboat design.

Basic Dimensions

Length Overall (LOA): 18 ft (≈ 216 inches) — the nominal length of the model.
Actual Hull Length: ≈ 17 ft 8 in (212 inches) — traditional measured hull length for the 18′ Cobra.
Beam (Width): ≈ 6 ft 2 in (74 inches) — classic width for the 18′ version.
Draft: ~14–18 inches depending on engine and load

Construction

Hull Material: Mahogany, cedar wood hull with highly finished woodwork — Chris-Craft’s trademark craftsmanship.

Distinctive Styling: Front fiberglass fin and hatch assembly integrated into wood construction

Engine & Performance

Original Engine (typical): Hercules KBL 6-cylinder, triple-carbureted — ~131 hp in most 18′ Cobras.
Engine Placement: Inboard, conventional drive (period installation).
Recommended Motor: A v6 marine block 130-180 hp.

Performance: Many Cobras have been reported capable of ~30 knots with larger V-8 options in the 21′ version; the 18′ with 131 hp is brisk but less powerful than its bigger sibling.

Layout & Capacity

Seating: Single bench seat accommodating ~3–4 adults in the 18′ version.

Cockpit Style: Open runabout with low profile lines and sporty stance.

Styling Influence: Designed as Chris-Craft’s sporty “sports car of the water,” with styling cues inspired by automotive design (bold fin, dash details, sport upholstery).

Every wooden boat crafted by us is built from classic wooden boat plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the boat to order—offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models.

Note:

* Price starting at 30k and applies to the wooden hull only (Not include motor or hardwares or shipping).

History:

The Chris Craft Cobra 18' was introduced in the early 1950s as a high-performance sports boat designed for both speed and style. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic hull allowed it to glide efficiently through lakes and coastal waters, making it a top choice for racing and recreational boating.

Praised for its combination of elegance and agility, the Cobra 18' quickly became a symbol of post-war American craftsmanship and boating innovation. Collectors and enthusiasts admired its smooth handling, graceful deck lines, and refined detailing, solidifying its status as a classic wooden powerboat.

Today, the Chris Craft Cobra 18' continues to be celebrated for its beauty, performance, and historical significance. Handcrafted replicas honor the original’s design, offering boating enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the same elegance, craftsmanship, and exhilaration that made the Cobra a timeless icon.