Yachts International

The 1937 mahogany commuter yacht Posh left more than one visitor awestruck when she pulled alongside the docks at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. She is part of what may be the most famous triumvirate in the history of boating—three exceptional boats designed by John Hacker and built in the late 1930s by Huskins Boat Works of Bay City, Mich.: WeeJoe II, Tempo and Thunderbird.

Todd Warner, owner of vintage watercraft sales and restoration firm Mahogany Bay, bought the 54-foot (16.5-meter) boat originally commissioned as Weejo II, and rechristened it Posh when it joined his extensive classics collection. He later also bought Tempo. The third of the trio, Thunderbird, remains in Lake Tahoe where she entertains VIP guests.

That very reaction of awe evoked by these exceptional “wooden sculptures,” as Warner calls them, has inspired him to build more of them. He has formed a team that includes designer Bill Prince, boatbuilder Steven White of Brooklin Boat Yard and brokers Bartram and Brakenhoff to create, build and sell a limited-edition series suited for discriminating 21st century boaters. The new iteration of Posh has slightly different hull lines (computer precision allows for such fine tweaks) to further improve seakeeping and performance. She will feature a stunning Art Deco interior, including a glass-enclosed shower, and the coolest electronics money can buy.

Warner has a permanent twinkle in his eye when he discusses the project and grand ideas for events that will lead up to its unveiling. His enthusiasm is contagious. Yachts International will be following this project closely.