Classic Wooden Mahogany Runabout Boat Couch
About The Project
Classic mahogany and chrome in the middle of your living room.
For a while I was a member of the Antique and Classic Boat Association (ACBS), and had a booth at several of their shows. As an appreciator of beautiful wood, I'm attracted to antique and classic boats. I love their graceful curves and mid-century industrial design. Many of the boats displayed at ACBS shows are beautiful sculptured pieces of art. These boats, and the memory of a boat name Amelia D. that I saw as a teenager in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, inspired this couch.
I made this couch to recreate the graceful curves and design of a mid century mahogany runabout. The couch is made similarly to a real boat, with solid mahogany planking laid over an internal ribbed frame. The planks are screwed in place, with wooden bung plugs filling the screw holes. The deck and sides are stained in three different colors, as many of the original boats were. The couch is finished with a high gloss marine varnish. The chromed bump rails, exhaust port and rope cleats give the couch some extra bling. The tuck and roll red upholstery adds a classy touch.
I displayed this couch at several ACBS shows. I always had to point out that it was made from scratch and was not the cut off aft section of a real boat. One sure way to upset a boat lover is to perform such a dastardly act.
Contributor Credits
Metal Work - Willis Bowman, Bowman Engineered Models
Upholstery - David Osterberg, Remnants
