Hacker Boat Company Unveils The Evolution Collection: A Modern Take on Classic Wooden Boats

For more than a century, Hacker Boat Company has been synonymous with finely crafted wooden boats. Founded in Detroit in 1908, the builder earned a reputation for classic mahogany vessels and timeless design. Now, in its 114th year, Hacker is introducing a fresh chapter with The Evolution Collection — new models that maintain the brand’s traditional craftsmanship while responding to contemporary boating preferences.

From Detroit to Ticonderoga — and Now Queensbury

Hacker moved from Detroit to upstate New York decades ago and operated in Ticonderoga for many years. In September of last year the company relocated production to Queensbury, New York, roughly an hour south of the previous site. The new facility provides 35 to 40 percent more workspace, allowing Hacker to expand its custom boatbuilding and restoration operations while improving factory access for customers and prospective staff.

The additional space supports both Hacker’s ongoing Legacy models and the new Evolution Collection. The move also increases the builder’s capacity; at the Queensbury location Hacker can produce approximately 15 hulls per year. As of late January, order slots were already booked into 2023, reflecting steady demand for traditionally built wooden boats.

Introducing The Evolution Collection

The Evolution Collection adds three contemporary designs to Hacker’s existing Legacy lineup. Each model keeps Hacker’s hallmark wood construction and classic lines but introduces modern features and configurations intended for today’s boaters.

The three new models are:

• Commuter (37-foot 6-inch) — An elegant commuter-style yacht with an open cabin layout, hardtop, and twin inboard engines. The Commuter blends classic profile with a practical layout suitable for extended day trips and, when scaled up, potential overnight use.
• Center Console (30 to 35 feet) — Offered in several lengths and available with either inboard or, in a rare move for Hacker, outboard engines. This model caters to owners seeking open-deck versatility for coastal cruising, fishing, and active day boating.
• Monaco (40-foot) — The most contemporary of the trio, the Monaco features an open transom, flexible cockpit seating, and a customizable cuddy cabin. Its modern ergonomics and adaptable layout make it appealing to owners looking for a stylish day-boat with a classic wood aesthetic.

Hacker reports early interest from the wooden-boat community: the first Monaco ordered is expected on the production line by March, and several customers have requested further Monacos and Center Consoles. Many of these designs are intended primarily for coastal day-cruising, though some owners plan to use larger models for overnight trips.

Traditional Construction with Modern Options

Every boat in both the Legacy and Evolution collections retains Hacker’s traditional wood construction. Structural elements such as stringers and frames, plus interior joinery, are crafted from mahogany. Buyers can choose an all-wood finish or opt for a thin layer of fiberglass on the hull sides while keeping mahogany decks and classic styling. Hacker continues to offer both finishes to preserve the brand’s signature look while meeting contemporary maintenance preferences.

Customization is a key element of Hacker’s process. The company’s website includes a “build your own” feature that lets prospective owners select basic models, paint colors, stain tones, upholstery, and trim. Beyond those options, Hacker’s wood-based construction allows for in-process adjustments that would be difficult or costly in fiberglass production. Small design tweaks, layout changes, and owner requests can often be accommodated directly on the production line, resulting in a semi-custom boat for each owner.

Who Buys a Hacker?

Hacker boats are popular with owners who appreciate classic aesthetics and handcraftsmanship. About half of Hacker’s production heads to saltwater environments while the remainder goes to freshwater lakes — often larger, weather-exposed bodies such as Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan. These owners typically value durable construction, classic styling, and the ability to adapt a boat’s layout to suit specific cruising habits.

With the Queensbury move and the introduction of The Evolution Collection, Hacker aims to attract new customers and employees while preserving the brand’s identity. “The idea behind this collection is that we are a company with a legacy and a history, but we are constantly evolving,” says Erin Badcock, chief operating officer. “We want to remain innovative and change with the times.”

This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue.