Classic yachts and wooden vessels of all shapes and sizes will take center stage at the 34th Annual San Diego Wooden Boat Festival, returning to Koehler Kraft Boatyard on Shelter Island from June 14 to 15, 2025. For over three decades, this Father’s Day Weekend event has drawn boating enthusiasts, families, and history buffs to the historic boatyard to tour some of Southern California’s finest examples of wooden boat craftsmanship.
The festival, hosted at the site where Koehler Kraft has operated since 1952, invites visitors to step aboard a range of vessels, from homebuilt dinghies and powerboats to vintage racing yachts and classic schooners. With live music, local vendors, and a variety of food and beverages, the event promises a festive atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
More than just a showcase of maritime craftsmanship, the Wooden Boat Festival also serves a greater cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit the local Sea Scouts, a maritime division of the Boy Scouts of America for youth ages 14 to 21. Through the program, young men and women develop their boating skills, learn water safety, and explore the region’s rich maritime heritage.
The festival traces its roots back to 1990 when Koehler Kraft organized the inaugural event as a tribute to the late Clarence Koehler, Sr., who founded the boatyard in 1938. Initially known for crafting mahogany sport fishing boats and racing runabouts, Koehler Kraft has since become a vital part of San Diego’s wooden boat community, carrying on a tradition of craftsmanship and preservation.
Today, the festival has become a beloved Father’s Day tradition, offering attendees a rare chance to get up close to vessels that evoke a bygone era. Visitors are invited to tour boats docked in the water, speak with boat owners about restoration projects, and learn more about the history behind each vessel. Meanwhile, shoreside activities include live performances from local musicians, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to meet the next generation of Sea Scout boaters.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to15, and free for children 5 and younger. With its unique blend of history, family-friendly entertainment, and support for youth maritime programs, the San Diego Wooden Boat Festival continues to be a signature event in the Southern California boating community.
For more information, visit sdwoodenboatfestival.com or contact the Koehler Kraft office at (619) 222-9051. Koehler Kraft Boatyard is located at 2302 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106.
