Boat Building

Vessels of the Cold Water

For thousands of years Unangan people have navigated arctic waters in skin framed boats. In the likeness of seals and whales that rule the water world, they don their boats like a second skin, their frames flexing in a network of ligaments.

Handmade and Hewn

The modern world can learn from these masters, crafting our vessels in the ancient tradition, using authentic methods and time-tested designs.

Ancient vs Contemporary

The hulls are bodies of strength, endurance and integrity. Skin-on-frame boats have advantages over contemporary fiberglass. They are extremely lightweight (many kayaks are 20-30 lb.) and they are very durable with their flexible hulls.