Umiak UMIAK Umiaks are found throughout the entire range of Arctic habitation. They vary from place to place, some being round-bottomed, others flat. The umiak was the real workhorse of Arctic peoples. Often referred to as the “women’s boat,” umiaks ranged from 16’ to...
Qayapaq QAYAPAQ KAYAK The qayapaq is a latecomer to the traditional kayak lineup. Also called the North Alaska retrieval kayak, it was developed around the 1900s after firearms were introduced to the Arctic. The Qayapaq could be conveniently transported overland and...
Providence River Boat PROVIDENCE RIVER BOAT This boat, documented by Howard Chapelle in his book American Small Sailing Craft, was originally built in 1875 by a man named Button Swan. The boat was commonly used for crab fishing. It featured a live well and carried a...
Netsilikmeot Kayak NETSILIKMEOT KAYAK In September 2000, my shopmate Robert Morris, author of Building Skin-on-Frame Boats, and I travelled to the hamlet of Kugaaruk (formerly Pelly Bay) in central Nunavut to take part in an exchange of kayak-building skills with...
Pacific Handliner PACIFIC HANDLINER Starting sometime at the turn of the 20th century and continuing through to the development of the outboard motor, the Pacific Handliner was a popular craft for individuals to pursue small-scale commercial fishing for salmon. It was...
