Besides the obvious aesthetic advantages of a wood-canvas canoe are the often overlooked functional advantages. A cedar canoe is much quieter and smoother in the water than a synthetic canoe and
the strong canvas covering and flexible wooden hull are more damage resistant than most people believe, bouncing back into shape after sustaining a hit from a rock or other obstruction, rather than
becoming dented or bent out of shape. A wooden canoe is perfectly suited to its environment, and is the perfect companion for exploring a remote waterway or for a quiet evening of fishing on a
favorite pond.
Available Models
For the past few years, the shop has been largely focused on restoring antique wooden canoes and other small craft. New models are in the works, so check back here for updates.
Thanks to the lack of complicated and expensive production plugs and molds, wooden boats can be built fairly easily in a one-off fashion. If you have a classic canoe you
would like replicated in a new craft, or a less classic design you would like to see created in wood canvas style construction, contact the shop for options regarding measuring and reproducing your
ideal canoe.
Custom Options
Every canoe is handbuilt individually for the owner. Because of this, there are endless options for personal customization. The Housatonic Canoe Shop wants to help every paddler create their ideal
canoe, and no design variation will be turned down without consideration. Some options include; custom paint designs, placement of seats, extra seats, special trim woodworking, half-ribs for extra
support, addition of a keel, oarlocks, sailing rigs, and much more. The customer should not hesitate to ask about special customization if he desires his canoe to be truly unique and well suited to
their needs.