Updated 12/19/09

Urban Boatbuilders sells apprentice-built boats and we help our project partners market and sell their boats.  The proceeds help defray the costs of the program, making it possible for more youth to gain hands-on building experience.

Why buy a wooden boat?
There is nothing like the look, feel, and performance of wood.  Fiberglass/plastic boats are heavier and are vulnerable to fatigue, cracking and blistering. With reasonable care, wooden boats can last a lifetime.  When you eventually scrap a wooden boat, it biodegrades.  Fiberglass/plastic boats are laden with toxic, non-renewable chemicals.  It takes 300-600 years for plastic to biodegrade, and 1 million years for glass. 


 Norwegian Pram -- The genuine article

The Norwegian Pram is an eye-catching piece of true Scandinavian heritage. For centuries, prams have been used  for errands and light fishing on the south-coast of Norway and the fjords around Oslo. They are built by eye around a bottom plank that is bent into shape by shoring it from the ceiling  (how these boats were built) . This versatile boat rows beautifully, could be rigged for sail, or could be efficiently powered by an electric trolling motor. It also makes a wonderful tow-behind dingy for larger boats.  Its simple construction allows us to offer it for $1,800.  Easy-to-maintain oil finish brings out the beauty of the wood.  We currently have both a 10' version and a 12' version for sale. 

Specifications for the 10 footer:
White Oak transoms and frames, white pine planking
Length: 10' 3"
Beam: 53"'
Weight: 115 lbs

$1,895

Specifications for the 12 footer:
Douglas Fir transoms and frames, white pine planking
Length: 12'
Beam: 54"'
Weight: 118 lbs

$1,995

7'5" Spoon-Bladed Oars (pair)......$120 with boat ($150 regularly)

Interested? Email UBB


 Swedish Pram -- The Swedish contender in the battle of the prams

Not to be outdone by the Norwegians, the Swedes have their own equally attractive approach to the pram. Built using a similar technique, this little boat is cute, handy, and, very light (64 lbs). Its flat bottom makes it very stable, but it is also narrow enough for speed. It's shape and light weight make it perfect for use as a tow-behind dingy for larger boats, car-toppable fishing boat, or general 1-person row boat. An easy-to-maintain oil finish brings out the beauty of the wood.

Specifications:
White pine transoms and planking, white oak frames
Length: 9' 6" 3"
Beam: 34"'
Weight: 64 lbs

$1,195

Spoon-Bladed Oars (pair)......$120 with boat ($150 regularly)

Interested? Email UBB


 Skerry --Chesepeake Light Craft (CLC) kit boat

The CLC Skerry combines elements of traditional working craft of the British Isles and Scandinavia, with a little bit of American Swampscott Dory thrown in. The blend of historical antecedents yields outstanding sea-worthiness and excellent performance under sail or oars.   An unfinished Skerry kit, which retails for $1,199 was donated to us by the Audobon Mississippi River Initiative.  It was beautifully completed by one our classes at Boy's Totem Town and can be purchased for just $1,895.  It does not include a sail rig, which is available from CLC for $975 or can be made yourself for much less.  Slideshow (74 images of the Skerry in action.)

Specifications:
Length: 15'
Beam: 6'
weight: est. 95 lbs

$1,895

7'5" Spoon-Bladed Oars (pair)......$120 with boat ($150 regularly)

Interested? Email UBB

17' MCA Guide canoe built in skin-on-frame 
Designed by Karl N. Ketter
PRESENT STOCK SOLD -- Place an order!
 
This is a design from the Minnesota Canoe Association. It has a traditional design with tumblehome sides, and moderately high ends. It also has slightly re-curved stems and graceful lines. This canoe was originally designed for cedar strip construction and we have updated it by using skin-on-frame boat construction techniques to create a lighter weight and more unique canoe. With its translucent skin, sculpted frame, and beautiful lines, this boat's looks and performance make it a maserati among canoes.

*Northern white pine construction, cherry, walnut, cedar, elm and ash trim
*9 oz. nylon skin; lightweight and tough
*Clear Polyurethane coating
*External white oak keel for abrasion resistance.
*Traditional Oil Finish (on wood)
*Stable, fast, good tracker

 Specifications:
 length: 17'
 beam: 34"
 depth: 14"
 weight: 54 lbs.

 See a great slide show of the boat under construction!

 $1,000
Interested? Email UBB

We also made a beautiful cedar strip version of the same boat:
PRESENT STOCK SOLD -- Place an order!

 Specifications:
 length: 17'
 beam: 34"
 depth: 14"
 weight: 54 lbs.

 $2,000


16-foot Skin-On-Frame Canoe, designed by Robert Morris

Traditionally, seals would have had to die to make this kind of craft. Aleuts and other nomadic hunters used to sew seal skin on a lashed framework made up of driftwood and animal sinew. It made for a lightweight, material efficient hull that moved with the waves. Our canoe is a modern adaptation of the old ways, using a few new materials that spare the lives of our marine friends.

*Northern white pine construction, cherry, walnut, cedar, and ash trim
*9 oz. nylon skin; lightweight and tough
*Clear Polyurethane coating (8 coats)
*External white oak keel for abrasion resistance.
*Tung Oil Finish (on wood)

 Specifications:
 length: 16'
 beam: 35"
 weight: 40 lbs.

 $750
Interested? Email UBB


North Bay -- an 18' 7" kayak from Chesapeake Light Craft.

  
Do you like speed? This is your boat. With an overall length nearing nineteen feet, this boat likes to go fast. When you finally slow it down, people can gawk at its good looks.

*4mm BS 1088 marine grade okoume plywood
*6 oz. fiberglass cloth sheathing inside cockpit and outside bottom
*Quality marine enamel and 4 coats marine varnish
*Fast boat, intended for experienced paddlers
*Fore and aft hatched buoyancy compartments
*Closed cell foam seat and adjustable lumbar support
*Adjustable footbraces

Specifications:
length: 18'7"
beam: 20"
weight: 45 lbs.

$1,000

Copper-tipped, double bladed paddle.......just $85 with boat ($150 regularly)
Interested? Email UBB


1915 16' Old Town Canoe -- a newly restored classic
Very rare 1915 Old Town canoe (SN35494).  This is an HW model grade AA (mahogany trim). This canoe was restored in our shop by professional boat building instructors and apprentices.  It was completely stripped of the old paint and canvas.  Minor structural damage was repaired.  It was varnished, oiled and canvassed to look like the original.  Some cosmetic flaws remain which do not effect it structurally and help retain it's original character. Factory shipping order and 1915 Old Town catalog (PDF) available upon
request.  There is a great story about the history and restoration of this canoe at Canoeing.com.

*White cedar planking and ribs
*Mahogany trim
*High-gloss quality marine enamel finish

$3,500 or best offer
Interested? Email UBB


2 Skin-on-Frame Greenland Kayaks,Designed by Robert Morris

These kayaks were built by apprentices in our shop and were used on the Mississippi River trip this summer.  They were stable, fast, comfortable, tracked well, and performed beautifully.

*White pine framing
*9 oz. Ballistic nylon skin
*Three coats of marine varnish
*Light, easily car-topped craft.
*Very fast boat with an integral skeg for good tracking

Designed for average sized paddlers

Specifications:
length: 18'
beam: 28"
weight: 38 lbs

$750 each

Greenland-style double bladed paddle included in price
Interested? Email UBB


Mississippi Skiff -- 11 foot traditionally built rowboat (with plywood bottom)   -- 2 in stock
If you like rowing, fishing, or perhaps even kissing on a lake, this skiff is a good choice. With its traditional wooden construction, it has an old-world appeal that's hard to find nowadays. Its external oak keel and hefty bottom planking can withstand some abuse, so go ahead, take out your oars, fishing rod, and lover for some irresponsible, old fashioned fun.

*Northern white pine planks, white oak structural members
*Stainless steel fastenings
*Quality marine enamel and tung oil finish
*Maneuverable and laterally stable

Specifications:
length: 11'
beam: 4'
weight: 100lbs

$900

7'5" Spoon-Bladed Oars (pair)......$120 with boat ($150 regularly)
Interested? Email UBB


Glued Lapstrake Kayak -- a 14' kayak designed by Scott Ingram.

  
This unique kayak was designed and built by Scott Ingram, a local engineer and boatbuilding enthusiast. Scott is a perfectionist in design and construction. This gorgeous lightweight kayak has a built-in backrest and foot braces for comfort.  The lapstrake hull keeps right on going up and around to form a very unique lapstrake deck.  Materials and construction are of the highest quality.  Performs beautifully.

*4mm  marine grade okoume plywood
*Lumbar support
*Adjustable footbraces

Specifications:
length: 13' 5""
beam: 23"
weight: 39 lbs.

$1,000

Copper-tipped, double bladed paddle.......just $85 with boat ($150 regularly)
Interested? Email UBB


7'5" Spoon-Bladed Oars (pair)
*Hand Carved

*3 Coats Marine Varnish

*Hardwood Tip

$150**

 

comments: These really are some of the best-priced pieces of sculpture out there. Our apprentices spend hours carving these oars with drawknives, spokeshaves, and gouges. The resultant craftsmanship cannot be easily be found in this modern world of composites and automation. $150 buys you a wonderfully unique and functional set of oars, and subsidizes the inspiration of our youth.

Leathered, spoon bladed oars

**Ask about differentm lengths and styles: our apprentices can build to suit.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these items or have questions:  Email UBB