Adirondack Guideboat
In addition to our canoes and kayaks, in 2002 we started building an Adirondack guideboat. These were popular in that region of the country for nearly a century, as the main method of travel, prior to the road system of today. They were by necessity lightweight, fast, able to carry a burden and in skilled hands very seaworthy. Used mainly by guides, they were used to carry guests, usually sportsmen on hunting and fishing trips into the back country. The same qualities of weight, speed and use, still make them very desirable to those who at least for a time wish to eschew motor power. The design we chose to offer was made over a century ago by one of the finest small boat builders of his time, John Henry Rushton, of Canton, New York. It was called the Saranac Laker, for that northern section of the Adirondack Park. We have taken his shape, as recorded in Atwood Manley's book, "Rushton and His Times in American Canoeing", and now build it in modern wood, that is Cedarstrip, construction. I believe this makes as fine a version as any guideboat available. The hull is made of Western Red Cedar (strips and bottom board) and laminated hardwood stems, covered inside and out with 6oz. fiberglass cloth and epoxy in the same manner as our canoes and kayaks. It is then fitted with laminated ribs, set 12 inches apart. The seats (3), Backrest (1), and decks are cherry, the cane is hand woven. Details can be agreed to at the time of order. Trim woods may be changed to suit, at the prevailing cost, if available. We recommend 7' 6' Shaw & Tenney guideboat oars which we can supply. Other options are similar to our canoes. Specifications are as follows:
Length: 16' Width: 39" Weight: 75lbs. Price: $9,500.00
Please contact us at the above address concerning placing and order and approximate completion schedules.
Adirondack Guideboat