1938 Custom Chesapeake Bay Buyboat

This 1938 Chesapeake Bay Buyboat, 'Choptank', represents a unique opportunity for a discerning buyer. At 65 feet, she is a vessel with significant historical provenance, having been designed and built by O.W. Payne. What sets 'Choptank' apart is the extensive, professional rebuild undertaken from 2011 to recently, with maintenance overseen by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's shipwrights. This was not a cosmetic refresh; it included substantial re-planking, new running gear, a modern Cummins 410 HP main engine, a new Onan 21.5 kW generator, and a complete overhaul of wiring, plumbing, seacocks, and systems. A new pilothouse has also been constructed. The vessel is currently at a stage where the new owner has the flexibility to complete her as either a commercial vessel with a Certificate of Inspection (COI) or as a private pleasure yacht. The cargo holds have been converted into unfinished staterooms, allowing for a custom interior fit-out. This provides a rare chance to acquire a historically significant hull with the core structural and mechanical work largely addressed, ready for personalization. The asking price of $300,000 reflects the substantial investment already made in her restoration, offering a compelling value proposition for a project of this scale and heritage.