The “Mosbas” is the prototype of the our Saco 12, a recreation kayak designed by our shop. Construction took over a year, squeezing work on it in between other projects. This small boat is for someone who wants a unique, light weight recreational kayak. The design was influenced by larger Alaskan baidarkas and Kodiaks (see the skin-on-frame page for history). It’s a great balance of size and maneuverability with strong stability. It has an adjustable back rest and generous cockpit. The Saco would be the perfect first wooden boat. We’re using it with our kids.

Primary woods are western red cedar, northern white cedar and eastern white pine with ash, cherry, curly maple and black walnut accents. The artwork is inlaid black walnut.

“Mosbas” is the Abenaki name for the American mink (Mustela vison), a sly semi-aquatic member of the weasel family. Mink fur has been highly prized for its use in clothing, with hunting giving way to large-scale mink farming. Its treatment has also been a focus of much animal welfare activism. Their numbers have been reduced due to loss of habitat and the effects of pollution on their aquatic food supply.They have short legs with partially webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. They can be found in wooded areas and fields near streams and lakes. They dig burrows in river banks or take over dens abandoned by other animals.

Statistics:

Completion Photos:

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