Trending: Hagerty’s Top 5 Collectible Boats

We’re often asked what classic boats are most popular, so we thought it would be fun to share which boats were most frequently insured through Hagerty over the past year. Because we wanted our list to make a statement about certain styles of boat, we didn’t restrict ourselves to specific lengths or model years, but only make and model. As you might expect, boats with large production runs are well represented, but you may be surprised to see some that made the cut.

The following list mirrors only what boats were brought to Hagerty for coverage during the previous 12 months and is not intended to represent what boats are or aren’t most desirable among classic boaters.

1. Chris-Craft Sportsman – Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular wooden boats of all time tops our list. Although the last year has brought examples ranging in model year from 1939-60 and in lengths from 16-25 feet, all share the same utility type design and Chris-Craft heritage. Praised for its versatility, the Sportsman is often considered the “workhorse” of the antique boating world. More common models can make excellent entry level boats, while rare versions, like the 25 footer, are highly sought after by enthusiasts.

   Hagerty Price Guide: 1951 17-foot Chris-Craft Sportsman – $23,000 (Excellent condition)

2. Century Resorter – Another long-lived model, the past year has brought us everything from a 1952 16-foot boat to fiberglass versions dating from the early 1970s – although the wood versions alone would still place this as our second-most insured vessel. Resorters have provided generations with a beautiful-yet-practical family boat, and narrowly beat out the larger Coronado as our most frequently insured Century.

   Hagerty Price Guide: 1961 17-foot Century Resorter – $18,600 (Excellent condition)

3. Chris-Craft Continental – The second Chris-Craft to make our list of most frequently insured boats of the past year, the Continental was purely a product of the 1950s. Many versions featured stylistic “fins” similar to what was to be found on many automobiles of the time, as well as optional fiberglass hardtops. Regardless of the styling details, these boats exude a sense of class that has come to be identified with mid-century wooden boats. Desirable features such as the hardtop can drive prices sky high, but great seaworthy examples can be had for under $30,000.

   Hagerty Price Guide: 1958 21-foot Chris Craft Continental — $27,400 (Excellent condition)

4. Amphicar Model 770 – Trust us, we’re just as surprised as you. While the half-car/half-boat Amphicar is beloved by many, its limited production run would seem to make it an unlikely candidate for our list. However, the Amphicar’s desirability and relatively high rate of survivorship has resulted in a lot of activity among collectors. Not much can be said of its performance, but the novelty alone places it high on many collectors’ lists.

   Hagerty Price Guide (Auto): 1964 Amphicar Model 770 – $59,400 (Excellent condition)

5. Boston Whaler (All Models) – A common sight in harbors across the country, the venerable Boston Whaler has a well-earned reputation as one of the toughest, most practical boats in existence. Now, collectors are beginning to appreciate the legacy and appeal of these fiberglass legends. Especially desirable is the 17-foot Montauk, which for many epitomizes what a Boston Whaler is meant to be. Although they are still in production, the average age of a Boston Whaler insured by Hagerty is 40 years, which is further testament to the brand’s reputation for “unsinkability.” The Whaler also represents an affordable entry into classic boating for many, with well-restored examples typically selling for under $10,000.

   Hagerty Price Guide: N/A