2013 Diesel Duck 40

This 40-foot Diesel Duck is a George Buehler design built of douglas fir with silicone bronze fasteners by Wayne Shibley Wooden Boats. The displacement hull is engineered for extended cruising at steady, economical speeds, powered by a single 80 hp John Deere diesel engine. The boat achieves 7 knots cruising speed on roughly 1.5 gallons of fuel per hour, supported by 500 gallons of fuel capacity across two tanks.

The wooden construction throughout combines traditional craftsmanship with practical durability. Douglas fir provides both strength and natural insulation, while bronze fasteners ensure longevity in saltwater environments. The hand-built approach prioritizes heavy-duty systems suitable for serious ocean passages and long-term live-aboard use.

Maintenance remains straightforward by design—wood allows repairs and upkeep with basic hand tools, and materials are widely available. The boat's construction reflects Buehler's philosophy of simple, efficient, comfortable cruising: a slow, deliberate platform built to cross oceans without fanfare or complexity.