Matthew Rhys and the Restored Wheeler Playmate: A Classic Wooden Boat in New York Harbor

Actor Matthew Rhys did not set out to become the owner of a vintage wooden runabout, but an unexpected combination of a late-night eBay bid and a touch of whiskey changed his plans. The boat he acquired is a Wheeler Playmate, a compact and elegant wooden craft of the kind famously piloted by Ernest Hemingway. Rhys ultimately refurbished the vessel and now operates it as a charter around New York Harbor, blending old-world style with modern harbor cruising.

The Wheeler Playmate occupies a special place in the history of small wooden motorboats. Known for its graceful lines and compact size, this type of craft evokes a bygone era of hand-built hulls, varnished mahogany decks and chrome fittings. For many owners and restorers, a Wheeler Playmate represents both a manageable restoration project and a statement of timeless design. That appeal helps explain why an actor with a busy career might be drawn to invest time, resources and passion into returning one of these boats to service.

Rhys’s story — his purchase, the restoration and the ongoing use of the boat for charters — attracted enough attention to become the subject of a detailed feature in The New York Times, which chronicled the actor’s years-long effort and the personal satisfaction he found in reviving a classic craft.

Why a Vintage Wooden Boat?

People are drawn to wooden runabouts for many reasons: the tactile pleasure of wood, the way sunlight plays off varnished surfaces, the mechanical simplicity compared with modern fiberglass boats, and the cultural cachet that comes with classic design. A small, well-maintained wooden boat can offer an intimate and stylish way to experience a harbor, with a sense of connection to maritime history that mass-produced modern boats rarely provide.

What Restoring a Wheeler Playmate Typically Entails

Restoring a classic wooden boat such as a Wheeler Playmate is often a substantial undertaking. Typical restoration tasks include assessing and repairing the hull, addressing any rot or delamination, replacing or refinishing planking, revarnishing brightwork, updating or rebuilding mechanical systems such as the engine and steering, and improving safety systems to meet modern expectations. Attention to period-correct finishes and hardware is also common when the goal is to preserve the boat’s original character. While the specific steps Rhys took are detailed in the profile referenced above, these are the common challenges and rewards associated with bringing a wooden runabout back to life.

Chartering on New York Harbor

Once restored, a small classic boat makes an exceptional platform for short charters, private outings, photo shoots and relaxed exploration of a city’s waterfront. New York Harbor offers striking views: the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan’s skyline, Brooklyn’s waterfront and the many bridges and piers that define the city’s maritime edge. A Wheeler Playmate’s compact size and classic appearance make it well-suited for intimate cruises where the boat itself is part of the experience.

Legacy and Lifestyle

Owning and operating a restored wooden boat is as much about lifestyle as it is about transportation. For many owners, the process of restoring and maintaining a classic runabout is therapeutic and creatively fulfilling. Maintaining varnish, tending mechanical systems, and polishing brass becomes a ritual that keeps the boat both seaworthy and beautiful. For a public figure like Matthew Rhys, the project also offers a private, hands-on counterpoint to life on set and in the spotlight.

Rhys’s Wheeler Playmate is an example of how an unplanned purchase can become a long-term passion project that preserves a piece of maritime heritage while creating memorable experiences on the water. The story captures the enduring appeal of wooden boats, the meticulous work needed to restore them, and the unique pleasure of piloting a classic craft through one of the world’s most iconic harbors.