Wooden boats are the reason Nowak Boats exists. In 1988, Ben Nowak, at the age of 15, went to Wooden Boat School in Maine and studied the fundamentals of boatbuilding. He started working on the Saginaw Bay in the early 90's repairing large wooden craft. At the same time, he was introduced to repairing fiberglass. By 1996 he was repairing fiberglass boats at a rate which far outpaced wooden boats.
A move south in 1999 put an end to working on wood boats for an employer. Nowak Boats was started shortly after to keep wooden boats in his life, and to supplement his full time income. We believe that wooden boats should be used, not just shown. We tend to work for the person who wants an excellent looking usable boat, but doesn't have an unlimited budget. Suited more toward preservation than total restoration, we keep boats on the water where they belong. If you have a wooden boat in need of repair, or are looking for one to enjoy, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you.
Looking to buy a small wooden boat in need of restoration or refinishing. Looking for a project, not a finished boat. 10-15 foot. Any make or hull type is ok. Use contact page to let me know what you have. THANKS!
Built in Baseline Michigan. Complete refinish. Newer motor customized to match boat. New interior and an updated trailer customized to fit the boat. One of my favorites.
Typical Barn Find needed a complete refinish
Brought to me to install spray rails and finish the project up. Wish I had the opportunity to take this one for a test ride.
Needed a new splash well, a bilge cleaning and a refinish.
Had some broken frames and needed a refinish.
Needed new decks and a complete refinish.
Restored an Evinrude Speedifour for this one and rigged with rear steering. Flattened runs and orange peel from hull and deck. Painted hull and re-varnished to a quality finish.
Cleanest all original boat Ive ever seen. Came here for a bilge cleaning and some minor paint work.
Bottom glassed years ago and wood rotted out. Boat too nice to throw away so, bottom re-glassed and new keel built. Back on water will always beat the burn pile in my book.
I think it was a 1949. Needed some bottom planking and a refinish.
This one received new bottom and hull paint, all new wiring and switches, added floors covered in Naotolex, and some seat cushions. Also tuned motor and controls.
Owned by same family since new. Needs major work to boat, motor, and interior. Will be a beautiful fun boat.