Dan Wilson’s Fleet

Dan Wilson has owned and captained a notable collection of classic wooden boats spanning several decades. This overview lists each vessel by name (when available), type, year built and the period of Wilson’s ownership or service. The collection includes small runabouts, mid-sized cruisers and large motoryachts—highlighting both recreational and historically significant vessels such as the presidential yacht Sequoia.

1. 15-foot Penn Yan Runabout

Boat type: 15-foot Penn Yan runabout

Built: 1950

Notes: Wilson purchased this compact Penn Yan runabout in 1955. Runabouts of this size are typically used for short recreational outings, lake and coastal cruising, and tend to be nimble and easy to maintain. This small vessel marks the beginning of Wilson’s documented ownership timeline.

2. David — 33-foot Captain’s Gig

Boat name: David

Boat type: 33-foot captain’s gig

Built: 1933

Notes: Known simply as David in Wilson’s records, this 33-foot captain’s gig dates to 1933. Captain’s gigs are traditionally functional, seaworthy boats used for ship-to-shore transport and general utility—suitable for a range of duties during the era in which it was built. Wilson owned David in the early 1970s.

3. Destiny — Chris-Craft 36-foot Sedan

Boat name: Destiny

Boat type: Chris-Craft 36-foot Sedan

Built: 1950

Notes: Destiny is a 36-foot Chris-Craft sedan built in 1950. Chris-Craft sedans are classic mid-century cruising boats designed for comfortable coastal passages and overnight stays. Wilson owned Destiny from 1975 to 1977, reflecting his interest in well-crafted wooden cruisers from established builders.

4. Sakonnet — 75-foot John Wells Motoryacht

Boat name: Sakonnet

Boat type: 75-foot John Wells motoryacht

Built: 1929

Notes: Sakonnet is a substantially larger John Wells motoryacht built in 1929. At 75 feet, this vessel represents Wilson’s movement into larger classic motoryachts capable of extended cruising and hosting multiple guests. He owned Sakonnet from 1977 through 1988.

5. Sequoia — 104-foot Trumpy Motoryacht (Presidential Yacht)

Boat name: Sequoia

Boat type: 104-foot Trumpy motoryacht

Built: 1925

Notes: The Sequoia is a 104-foot Trumpy motoryacht built in 1925 and notable as a presidential yacht. Dan Wilson served as captain of Sequoia during 1980–81 and again in 1998. As a historic and ceremonial vessel, Sequoia occupies a special place in Wilson’s fleet and in the broader story of classic American motoryachts.

6. Victoria — 54-foot Peterson Motoryacht

Boat name: Victoria

Boat type: 54-foot Peterson motoryacht

Built: 1937

Notes: Victoria, a 54-foot Peterson motoryacht from 1937, was part of Wilson’s stable from 1988 through 1994. Peterson motoryachts are known for their classic lines and comfortable accommodations suitable for extended day trips or coastal cruising.

7. Happie — 39-foot Warner Flush-deck Cruiser

Boat name: Happie

Boat type: 39-foot Warner Flush-deck Cruiser

Built: 1932

Notes: Happie is a 39-foot Warner flush-deck cruiser built in 1932. Wilson has owned Happie since 1994 and it remains listed as part of his fleet. Flush-deck cruisers are practical, classic vessels that balance seaworthiness with straightforward accommodations.

8. 42-foot Matthews Cabin Cruiser

Boat type: 42-foot Matthews Cabin Cruiser

Built: 1956

Notes: The final vessel listed in Wilson’s fleet is a 42-foot Matthews cabin cruiser built in 1956. No specific name is provided in the available record. Wilson has owned this Matthews cruiser since 2008, adding a mid-century cabin cruiser to his long-running collection of wooden boats.

Summary and Context

Taken together, these eight boats trace more than half a century of Dan Wilson’s engagement with classic wooden vessels—covering builds from 1925 through 1956 and ownership periods stretching from the 1950s into the 21st century. The fleet includes small runabouts and sturdy utility gigs, elegant sedans and cruisers from iconic builders like Chris-Craft and Peterson, and large, historically significant motoryachts such as the Trumpy-built Sequoia. Wilson’s experience ranges from everyday recreational boating to captaining a presidential yacht, demonstrating both a personal passion for wooden boats and professional seamanship.

Related note: This overview draws on material that originally appeared in the Mid-Atlantic Home Waters section of the June 2009 issue under the title “One man. One love. Eight wooden boats.”