Strip-Planked Kayaks » Microbootleggers |
In 1924, George Crouch designed a ground-breaking speedboat named "Baby Bootlegger." Baby Bootlegger was an innovation in its time, introducing the “rolled sheer” where the deck blends smoothly into the side. With the long stream-lined stern, it was the prototype of the mahogany runabouts that became popular in the 1920's. While this may be an unexpected starting point for a kayak, the graceful, efficient shape struck Nick's fancy.
In the 1880's J. Henry Rushton was at the forefront of an explosion in the popularity of canoeing. His canoes were not what we currently think of as a "canoe," instead, they were generally a boat where the paddler sat down in the bottom of the boat and used a paddle with blades at both ends. Often his boats had long decks with a cockpit where the paddler sat. In other words, what most people might think of as a kayak, are typically called "double paddle canoes.".
Taking the idea of a Rushton-style double paddle canoe and the great looking shape of the the Baby Bootlegger, I developed the Bootlegger (micro Bootlegger) as a roomy, efficient tandem kayak for cruising a lake or exploring a bay. While more sedate than her namesake, she moves easily through the water and, should a gale blow in, will handle rough water with aplomb.
In 1924, George Crouch designed a ground-breaking speedboat named "Baby Bootlegger." Baby Bootlegger was an innovation in its time, introducing the “rolled sheer” where the deck blends smoothly into the side. With the long stream-lined...
Kits from $2231.55
Plans from $95.20
Based on his popular microBootlegger tandem kayak, Nick Schade has created the microBootlegger Solo with the elegant look of a 1920s mahogany runabout. It's a roomy boat with a large cockpit, almost what one might call a double paddle canoe...
from $1785.05
Based on Nick Schade's popular microBootlegger tandem kayak design, the microBootlegger Sport was originally designed for an inexperienced, yet fit paddler looking for a kayak he could grow into. Suitable for someone seeking...
from $1870.55
This 17' x 20" [5.2m x49cm] strip-planked kayak is from the drawing board of Nick Schade. Nick writes:[The Runner] is designed for comfort and speed in rough water. With a lot of capacity for gear, it can be used as an efficient expedition vessel...
from $2022.55
