Kayaks

We’ve built some very different kayaks over the past few years, from simple painted “Black Pearls” to the extravagant “Nerieda” Njord. Each boat has it’s own page with project specific information, photo galleries and links to their construction.  Take a look and see what’s possible…

2009

“Elsie” was built in the winter of 2009 for a CT customer. It is the prototype of our East Greenland kayak called the Connecticut-18. The CT-18 is modeled on the Danish National Museum specimen #LC-148. It has a real unique hybrid construction: the hull is cedar-stripped while the deck is framed and skinned like a SOF. It combines the modern performance of a rigid hull with the look and feel of a traditional skin-on-frame. Connecticut 18 design by CSFW.

2008

The “Azure” was built for a NH customer. It’s finished with a painted deck and a white graphite hull. All the hardware is carbon fiber. Valley Canoe Products hatches and a Ritchie RU-90 compass round out the outfitting. Njord design by Björn Thomasson Design, Lund, Sweden.

2007

The “Nereida” Njord is named the Spanish word for the Ancient Greek sea nymphs (the Nereides) who came to the aid of sailors. It was built for Gonzalo of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain during the Winter of 2007 through the Spring of 2008. It was our first international commission and the project of a lifetime. Designed by Björn Thomasson Design, Lund, Sweden.

2007 Black Pearl, Queens NYC

Black Pearl built for Chris in Queens, NYC during the summer of 2007. The original Bainbridge White paint had adhesion issues and needed to be removed. Chris decided to repaint it black instead. Stunning in all black: black paint, carbon fiber coaming, black hatches and black walnut trim. Black Pearl design by Björn Thomasson Design, Lund, Sweden.

2007

Built for John M. in North Carolina during the Spring of 2007. Painted Orcas White. Light-weight fiberglass lay up. Carbon fiber coaming. Beckson pry-out hatches. Solid black walnut Usuuappuu (protective tips) on ends. Black Pearl design by Björn Thomasson Design, Lund, Sweden.

2006 Black Pearl, CT

This Black Pearl was built for Scott in CT. It was our first BP of three in a row spanning 2006-2007. Hatches are carbon/FG lips magnets/internal bungee backup w/ internal tethers. Ivory painted cherry Usuuappuu (protective tips) on ends. Bone deck toggles carved by Scott L. Black Pearl design by Björn Thomasson Design, Lund, Sweden.

2006 “Mosbas” Saco 12

Prototype of our Saco 12 rec boat. “Mosbas” is the Abenaki name for the American mink (Mustela vison), a sly semi-aquatic member of the weasel family. We’re using it with our kids. Saco 12 design by CSFW.

2005

The "Kasco" (Abeneki tribal word for the great blue heron) can be now found plying the inland waters of New York state. Clear finished with artistic stripping. With carbon fiber coaming, and recessed wooden deck hardware. Good boat for beginners and extended camping trips. Androscoggin design by CSFW.

2004 “Queen Of My Heart” Magalloway 16

Built for my wife Christine. She said she wanted the Queen of Hearts playing card some where on her boat… I think I got a bit crazy!! Hey, I love my wife. She deserves nothing less. It’s a great, fast sea kayak and definitely one of a kind. Magalloway 16 design by CSFW.

2004 “TS Willy Nilly” Guillemot

This is Dan’s personal kayak and the first boat we ever built. It got it’s name because it was a bit of a handful at first. Real “willy nilly.” You get used to it fast. Fun boat. Guillemot design by Guillemot Kayaks, CT

Skin On Frames

The following are skin-on-frames (SOF) that we have made for the family. Each boat has it’s own page with project specific information, photo galleries and links to their construction.