I don't feel like building my own kayak, will you build one for me?

Night Heron with flitch-cut, book-matched, western red cedar with pine accents

Yes, I accept commissions for custom-built, hand-made kayaks and other small boats. I specialize in finely constructed boats designed specifically for your needs. The material for each boat is hand selected for strength, weight and beauty. For more information, please look at my Custom Built Boat page.

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Nick's Blog

Preview image for the video "Survival of the Wooden Canoe (Feature Documentary)".

Ted Moores and The Survival of the Wooden Canoe

Nobody has had more influence on the growth of wood strip canoes than Ted Moores of Bear Mountain Boats.

Preview image for the video "Learning from Mistakes: Kayak Building Challenges and Triumphs".

Overcoming Challenges in Kayak Building

Nick builds a commemorative kayak, demonstrating that craftsmanship is about balancing beauty, functionality, and personal meaning. Through careful wood selection, technical skill, and creative problem-solving, he creates a meaningful memorial for a client, emphasizing that perfection lies not in flawlessness, but in purpose and connection.

Preview image for the video "Stripping the Solo microBootlegger".

Stripping a Solo Micro Bootlegger Kayak (Time-Lapse)

A time-lapse of installing cedar strips on the Solo microBootlegger kayak. Throughout the process, Nick explains his techniques and the tools he uses, offering viewers a detailed look at the cedar strip building process.

Preview image for the video "Staining the Recess - microBootlegger Sport - E30".

Staining a Kayak Coaming Recess: Tips and Techniques - E30

Nick, a wooden kayak builder, prepares to stain the coaming recess components for a client’s kayak.

Preview image for the video "Building My Dream Kayak - Design/Build of a Hi-Performance Mahogany/Carbon/Epoxy Sea Kayak".

Building "Runner": A 17ft Sea Kayak for Downwind Paddling and Surfing

This video documents the design process and construction of a custom sea kayak, named "Runner," by renowned boat designer and builder Nick Schade.

Recommended Products

Fast Double
A fast efficient tandem kayak for skilled paddlers
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Foam Kayak Seat
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Solo microBootlegger
A comfortable spacious recreational kayak
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Endeavour
Classic Touring Kayak
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Great Auk Double
A comfortable and efficient sea kayak for two paddlers
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Stitch and Glue Night Heron
A capable high performance sea kayak built using the stitch and glue method
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View More of Our Products

Upcoming Events

Kayak Builders Meet at the Beach 2025
May 31, 2025
Every year, kayak enthusiasts from all over come together at Bluff Point State Park in Groton, Connecticut, for a free and open event. It’s a great place to learn about different kayak designs and techniques, and it’s perfect for beginners and even those who are just starting to paddle.
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Fine Strip Planked Boats Class @WoodenBoat School
Jun 8, 2025
Nick Schade’s course teaches strip-planked boatbuilding, creating two designs: the Adirondack Guide Boat and the microBootlegger Sport sea kayak.
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Elements of Coastal Kayaking II @WoodenBoat School
Jun 15, 2025
Sea kayaking course covers strokes, braces, maneuvering, safety, navigation, and more. Students can bring their own kayaks or try Nick’s high-performance designs.
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The WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport
Jun 27, 2025
Guillemot Kayaks joins Chesapeake Light Craft in the WoodenBoat Show in Mystic, CT, showcasing boats and providing demonstrations on construction techniques. The show features over 100 wooden boats, maritime art, antiques, tools, books, and nautical gear.
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Learn About Other Events