1938 Custom Chesapeake Bay Buyboat
$300,000
Boat in Saint Michaels, MD 21663 US
Built in 1938
Chesapeake Bay Buyboat
1 Engine (Cummins)
65 feet
Diesel
Wooden
Choptank is for sale! She is a 1938 65' O.W. Payne designed and built Chesapeake Bay Buyboat. Choptank underwent a major rebuild from 2011 to recent and has been maintained since by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's experienced and knowledgeable local shipwrights. The museum stopped the rebuild at the point where she can be completed as a commercial vessel with a COI or as a pleasure vessel. You could hire the museum to complete the project or complete her elsewhere or by yourself to your final design and specs.
The rebuild included extensive re-planking, new running gear, new Cummins 410 HP main engine, new Onan 21.5 kW generator, all new wiring, plumbing, seacocks and systems and a new pilothouse constructed. Her cargo holds were converted into unfinished staterooms, so that the final fit out can be chosen by her new owner.
This is one of those rare once in a lifetime opportunities to own a historic and unique vessel!
The former cargo holds have been partially completed to allow a stateroom amidships and forward and crew quarters all the way forward. There is also a benchseat in the galley that could serve as a single size berth. The head and shower are on the main deck aft in the pilothouse.
The galley is aft of the raised pilothouse helm area.
- 4-burner electric cooktop and oven
- Sharp Carousel microwave oven
- Stainless steel sink
- Stainless steel countertop
- Storage cabinets and drawers
- Wood sole
- Opening wide windows
- Opening skylight
- Benchseat/berth with storage
The pilothouse offers a side deck access door on each side, wood sole, benchseat on each side, engine room access, electronics as detailed in the electronics section in this presentation, Glendinning electronic engine control, Mercury/Cummins VesselView7 engine systems display, Vetus steering system, Carlisle & Finch searchlight, Mastervolt inverter control panel, Bass Products electrical panel, Tides Marine Smart Seal shaft seal alarm panel and Dometic reverse cycle air conditioning/heating system.
The aftdeck offers a non-skid deck, same-level side deck access, lazarette access and a wood & glass door to the pilothouse.
- Garmin Radar
- OceanSat Class A AIS
- Garmin GPSmap 7612 xsv multi-function display
- Garmin autopilot
- Garmin Multi-data display
- Simrad RS35 VHF
- Icom Commandmic VHF
- Kelvin-White magnetic compass
- Cummin Onan MDKDR-1423645 21.5 kW generator
- Mastervolt 3500 watt inverter/charger
- Mastervolt 40 amp battery charger
- Charles 12 KVA isolation transformer
- Victron Energy Orion-Tr 24/12-20 isolated DC/DC converter
- 8 X Lifeline GPL-4DL AGM batteries
- 50 amp shore power cord
- Single Cummins QSL9410MDIKC 410 HP main engine with approximately 442 hours (2024)
- ZF 286A gearbox
- Mercury Cummins VesselView7 engine systems display at the helm
- Glendinning electronic engine control
- Tides Marine dripless shaft seal with a Smart Seal alarm panel at the helm
- Vetus steering system
- Dual Racor 751000MAX fuel filters with a vacuum gauge for the main engine
- Racor 500 fuel filter for the generator
- Dometic 16,000 BUT reverse cycle air conditioning/heating system
- Kuuma stainless steel 11 gallon water heater
- Vacuflush head
- Maxwell HWC2500 anchor windlass
- Rocna Vulcan anchor
- Stainless steel anchor roller
- Painted wood decks and rails
- Foredeck storage lockers
- Fireboy-Xintex Novec 1230 engine room fire suppression system
- Fire extinguishers
- Rule bilge pumps
- Carlisle & Finch searchlight
- Liferings
- Shipyard's tools
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Engine hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/26/25 | Initial price | $300,000 |
Videos from the Broker on this 1938 Custom Chesapeake Bay Buyboat
Overview from around the web 1938 Custom Chesapeake Bay Buyboat
Customers praise the 1938 Custom Chesapeake Bay Buyboat for its authentic craftsmanship and timeless design, highlighting its sturdy construction and smooth handling on the water
Many appreciate the boat’s classic aesthetic combined with practical features that make it ideal for both leisurely cruises and working purposes. Reviewers often mention the spacious deck layout and comfortable interior, noting how it perfectly captures the spirit of traditional Chesapeake Bay buyboats while offering modern reliability. Overall, owners value this vessel for its blend of heritage, performance, and versatility.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1938 Custom Chesapeake Bay Buyboat is a classic vessel with a rich history and unique design tailored for the Chesapeake Bay area. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Timeless Design: The traditional buyboat styling offers a charming, classic aesthetic that appeals to enthusiasts of vintage maritime vessels.
Solid Construction: Built in 1938, these boats were constructed with durable materials and craftsmanship designed to withstand the demanding conditions of bay work.
Spacious Deck: Designed originally for hauling oysters and crabs, the deck space is ample, making it versatile for various uses such as fishing, cruising, or liveaboard conversion.
Shallow Draft: Ideal for navigating the shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay and similar coastal areas.
Historical Value: Owning a piece of maritime history can be rewarding, especially for collectors and those passionate about traditional working boats.
Cons
Maintenance Intensive: As a vintage wooden vessel, it requires regular upkeep, including hull maintenance, painting, and repairs to wooden components.
Older Systems: Original mechanical and electrical systems may be outdated and could need upgrading for reliability and safety.
Limited Speed: Designed for steady work rather than speed, it may not perform well for those seeking fast cruising capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency: Older engines may be less fuel-efficient compared to modern counterparts.
Cost of Restoration: If not already restored, bringing the boat up to modern standards can be costly and time-consuming.
Made For
The 1938 Custom Chesapeake Bay Buyboat is perfect for enthusiasts of classic maritime vessels, collectors of historic boats, and those who appreciate timeless craftsmanship and rich nautical heritage. It’s ideal for anyone looking to own a unique piece of Chesapeake Bay history, whether for leisurely cruising, restoration projects, or showcasing at boat shows.
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