Meet the Crew

Julius Spradley

Owner | shipwright

I began my boatbuilding journey in coastal Maine, combining my passions for woodworking, painting, design, and a love for being out on water of any kind. I learned the trade under Kevin Carney and Owen Page at The Apprenticeshop in Rockland, ME, and, upon completing my apprenticeship in traditional boatbuilding, I went to work for Lyman-Morse Boatbuilders in Thomaston, ME, building new, custom yachts and jet boats.

In early 2022, my family and I moved to Denver, not knowing at all if boatbuilding could continue 1,000 or so miles inland. After finding a community of wooden boat enthusiasts and a wise mentor in local retired boatbuilder Doug Brown, I opened Denver Custom Boatworks in July, 2022, to serve the many beautiful classic runabouts and lake sailers in the region.

Cin Chapman

Business Manager

My boatbuilding journey just began! I joined the crew in March 2025 to manage the office, which is perfect: I get to do what I love, and the builders are able to commit their time to the boats. That’s my contribution to the actual building.

40-some-odd years ago, I sailed an O’Day 23 on lakes in South Carolina and eventually on the Gulf of Mexico, south of Tallahassee, Florida. I also crewed on a friend’s catamaran on weekend race days. We were not particularly serious racers, but we had a lot of fun. More recently, my boating has been in a kayak! I treasure the quiet days of simply paddling on a lake.

I moved from the Southeast to Denver in 2018 to be closer to my daughter and son-in-law—who are also in Denver—and my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson—who are in Missoula, Montana. I love everything about this area and look forward to adding to my adventures since joining this wonderful community of wooden boat enthusiasts!