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BoatU.S. Magazine |
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Stradivarius Of A Boat |
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by Scott Croft, Assistant Editor |
| The statistics show that BoatU.S. members own more than one boat. For most of us, that means we have a "big" boat and something smaller, perhaps a personal watercraft, dinghy, tender or canoe. A better option than the latter or rowboat may be the Adirondack Guide Boat, called the "Stradivarius of a Boat" by some. Built on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, in Ferrisburgh Vermont, Adirondack Guide Boats are extremely fast, light and stable craft that come in sizes from 13 to 19feet. Over 300 man-hours goes into each of their magnificent wooden boats, built from cedar, cherry, spruce, white pine and ash. With fine entries and tumblehome sterns, the boat may look like a canoe when viewed from a distance, but any similarities end there. Graceful, swift and with low centers of gravity, the boats are based on designs from 1830's Adirondack guide boats and are rowed "cross-arm" with pegged eight-foot oars that offer efficiency and speed. "The boats were designed to rowed all day by the guide, who then needed the strength prepare the day's catch, and perhaps entertain the "sport" or paying customer, around the evening's campfire," says Builder Steve Kaulback. When lightly loaded, the boat is narrow, but when filled its beam widens increasing stability. The other nice thing is that you and your guest face each other, while only one needs to row. The bad news? Starting at around $12,000, the wooden boats aren't cheap, but neither was a Stradivarius. The good news?..... Kevlar models cut that price by two thirds, and if you have the time and still want wood, kits start at $3500. For more information, visit them on the web....or drop in for a visit. You'll be glad you did. |