CHRISTEEN
Our organization restored the 1883 oyster sloop in the 1990s and replaced her original keel in 2010–2011. Today she serves as a floating classroom at The WaterFront Center.
Read CHRISTEEN’s story →
Wooden Boatshop of Oyster Bay
Preserving Oyster Bay’s maritime heritage by involving the community in traditional boatbuilding.
A new name for an enduring mission.
In early spring, the Christeen Oyster Sloop Preservation Corp. began doing business as the Wooden Boatshop of Oyster Bay. The new name reflects a mission that has grown beyond any one vessel or project.
We remain the same group of volunteers, guided by professional shipwrights, committed to building wooden boats, preserving maritime history, and passing traditional skills to future generations.
Built, restored and cared for here.
IDA MAY
From 2011 to 2023, volunteers and professional shipwrights built a modified replica of the historic oyster dredge, now serving the public on Oyster Bay Harbor.
Read IDA MAY’s story →In the shop now.
Current work ranges from historically significant restorations to hands-on youth building programs designed to keep wooden boatbuilding knowledge alive.
Historic vessels
Volunteers work alongside shipwright Josh Herman on the restoration of Prohibition and components for other historic vessels.
St. Lawrence Skiff
A 19-foot lapstrake skiff inspired by the type once owned by Theodore Roosevelt is taking shape in Building J.
Pond yachts & Bevin’s Skiffs
Young builders learn safe tool use, teamwork, math, and traditional skills—then experience the boats they helped create.
Visit Building J
If the doors are open, come on in.
The Wooden Boatshop is located on Oyster Bay’s Western Waterfront at the former Jacobson’s Shipyard, next door to The WaterFront Center. Current workdays are generally Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Building J · Western Waterfront