By 1880, the Adirondack Guideboat had evolved to the form still in use today. As the ultimate lightweight transport boat, they were built to carry the guide, his party, and all the necessary gear for their wilderness experience. They needed to be fast and quiet, yet light enough to be easily carried from lake to lake over rough portage trails using the shoulder yoke.
The boats were built by the guides themselves, who understood which woods would serve the best purpose, usually spruce ribs and pine bottom boards forming the skeleton that was sheathed in cedar with cherry gunwales, and all fastened with thousands of small copper tacks and screws.
Our 24” model – scale of 1½” to the foot – incorporates the same materials and techniques and is a replica of a 1905 Guideboat from the Grant Boatworks of Boonville, NY. Includes oars with brass oarlocks, seats, a paddle and yoke, housed in a glass display case.
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