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...
Glued Lapstrake Canoes GLUED LAPSTRAKE PLYWOOD CANOES The glued lapstrake plywood technique is quite common in rowing and sailing craft, but is not often used in canoes. That’s a shame, because it’s a great choice for these craft. The laps add stiffness 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...
