Information Density: Guillemot Kayaks – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

[IMG: Carrying a Wooden Kayak]
Learn to Build Your Own Boat
Thousands of regular people worldwide have built Nick's boat designs
View Details

[H1] Welcome

[H2] Get in a Wooden Kayak, Canoe or Small Boat
There is something especially wonderful about being out on the water in a small wooden boat. The glow of the wood underscores the beauty of your surroundings in a way no other material can achieve. If there is one thing that can make this experience better, it is building that small wooden boat yourself. Guillemot Kayaks specializes in providing this experience to boaters worldwide.

[IMG: Boat Building Videos]

[H4]
Watch Some Video
Learn by watching Nick build small boats on his YouTube channel

[IMG: Strip built and planked boat building books]

[H4]
Read Some Books
Nick's books are the bible for strip building kayaks and other small boats

[IMG: downloadable PDF boat plans]

[H4]
Digital Downloadable Plans
We now offer select designs as digital PDF and DXF files on our Shopify Site

[IMG: Build Your Own Boat Plans]

[H4]
Build Your Own Boat
Choose your next boat building project. Professional designs created by a dedicated small boat enthusiast.

[H2] Popular Products

[IMG: Petrel Scout Sea Worthy Recreational Kayak]

[H2] Petrel Scout SG
A capable, sea worthy, recreational kayakLearn More
[IMG: Petrel Sport SG Active Water Expedition Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel Sport SG
A Quick, Active-Water Stitch and Glue Sea KayakLearn More
[IMG: Petrel Sport strip built active water sea kayak]

[H2] Petrel Sport
A Quick, Active-Water Sea KayakLearn More
[IMG: Petrel Play Strip Built Recreational Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel "Play"
Hi Performance Recreational KayakLearn More

View More of Our Products

[H2] Upcoming Events

[IMG: Learn to Build and Adirondack Guide Boat and a Kayak]

[H2] Fine Strip Planked Boats Class @WoodenBoat School
Jun 14, 2026Nick Schade’s course teaches strip-planked boatbuilding, creating two designs: the Adirondack Guide Boat and the microBootlegger Sport sea kayak.Read More
[IMG: Chesapeake Light Craft Booth at the WoodenBoat Show]

[H2] The WoodenBoat Show w/ CLC
Jun 26, 2026The Best Wooden Boat Show on the East Coast, meet at the Chesapeake Light Craft Booth.Read More
[IMG: Sea Kayaking in Maine]

[H2] Elements of Coastal Kayaking II @WoodenBoat School
Aug 30, 2026Sea kayaking course covers strokes, braces, maneuvering, safety, navigation, and more. Students can bring their own kayaks or try Nick’s high-performance designs.Read More

Learn About Other Events

There is something special about being out on the water in a boat you made yourselfNick SchadeGuillemot Kayaks

[H2] Latest Posts

[IMG: Preview image for the video]

[H3] How to Scarf Plywood and Cut Boat Panels Without a CNC Machine
Nick shows how to hand-cut stitch and glue plywood boat panels from scratch, an alternative to buying a…read more
[IMG: Chesapeake Light Craft Booth at the WoodenBoat Show]

[H3] The WoodenBoat Show w/ CLC
The Best Wooden Boat Show on the East Coast, meet at the Chesapeake Light Craft Booth.read more
[IMG: CLC at Canoecopia]

[H3] Canoecopia w/ CLC in Madison
Attending Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin, the largest paddle sports show, to present on boat building…read more

[IMG: Preview image for the video]

[H3] Epoxy Mixing Methods Every Builder Should Know
Accurate measurement and thorough mixing are crucial for successful epoxy use. Nick discusses the pros…read more

Read More Articles

Skip to main content

[H1] Boat Design Catalog

[IMG: Petrel Scout Sea Worthy Recreational Kayak]

[H2] Petrel Scout SG
A capable, sea worthy, recreational kayak
$139.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Sport SG Active Water Expedition Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel Sport SG
A Quick, Active-Water Stitch and Glue Sea Kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Sport strip built active water sea kayak]

[H2] Petrel Sport
A Quick, Active-Water Sea Kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Play Strip Built Recreational Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel "Play"
Hi Performance Recreational Kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Play Stitch and Glue Recreational Kayak]

[H2] Petrel "Play" SG
A versatile recreational/play kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: microBootlegger Sport Touring Sea Kayak]

[H2] microBootlegger Sport
An efficient comfortable cross-over kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: microBootlegger Runner down wind fast touring sea kayak plans]

[H2] Runner
A fast, rough water, touring sea kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Strip Built Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel
A rough water play kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Kipawa Cedar Strip Tripping Canoe]

[H2] Kipawa
A New Breed of Seaworthy, Maneuverable Tripping Canoes
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Bob]

[H2] Bob's Special
Classic Work & Pleasure Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Stitch and Glue Petrel Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel SG
A high performance stitch and glue sea kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Play Stitch and Glue Recreational Kayak For Large Paddlers]

[H2] Petrel "Play" SGL
Rough Water Play Kayak for Larger Paddlers
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: 16]

[H2] Prospector 16
Iconic Whitewater & Touring Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Night Heron Strip Built Sea Kayak]

[H2] Night Heron
A fast, responsive sea kayak for open water and close to shore
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: microBootlegger Recreational Tandem Kayak]

[H2] microBootlegger
A modern take on a double paddle canoe
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Endeavour 17 wood strip touring kayak]

[H2] Endeavour
Classic Touring Kayak
$125.00
Add to cart

[IMG: The Strip Built Sea Kayak Great Auk]

[H2] Great Auk
A simple roomy and stable sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Winisk Wilderness Tripping Canoe Plans]

[H2] Winisk
A Modern Efficient Tripping Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Freedom 15 cedar strip asymmetrical canoe plans]

[H2] Freedom 15
Modern efficient wooden pleasure canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Strip Built Sea Kayak]

[H2] Guillemot
A quick and responsive sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Double Sea Kayak]

[H2] Guillemot Double
A roomy and stable tandem sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Solo microBootlegger Recreational Kayak]

[H2] Solo microBootlegger
A comfortable spacious recreational kayak
$119.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Mystic River Tandem Cedar Strip Canoe]

[H2] Mystic River Tandem Canoe
A Classic Elegant Cedar Wood Strip Canoe
$139.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Kite Solo Wilderness Tripping Canoe]

[H2] Kite
Ideal Small Solo Canoe For Wilderness Travel
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Freedom Solo 15/3 wood strip canoe plans]

[H2] Freedom 15/3
Modern high performance solo tripping canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Expedition Single Expedition Sea Kayak]

[H2] Expedition Single
An efficient sea kayak for long distance touring
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Freedom 17 cedar strip asymmetrical canoe plans]

[H2] Freedom 17
Modern efficient tripping canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Nymph Cedar Strip Pack Canoe]

[H2] Nymph
A minimalist cedar strip pack canoe for light paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Stitch and Glue Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Stitch and Glue Night Heron
A capable high performance sea kayak built using the stitch and glue method
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: 14 Foot Great Auk Recreational Kayak]

[H2] 14 Foot Great Auk
A roomy and comfortable small kayak for lakes and harbors
$119.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot S Sea Kayak for Smaller Paddlers]

[H2] Guillemot "S"
A fun, playful sea kayak for small paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Gullemot L Sea Kayak for Larger Paddlers]

[H2] Guillemot "L"
A responsive sea kayak for larger paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Wood Strip Noank Pulling Boat Sliding Seat Rowing Craft]

[H2] Noank Pulling Boat
An efficient, sliding seat, open water rowing boat
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Little Auk Wood Kayak]

[H2] 10 Foot Little Auk
A small recreational kayak for poking around protected water
$109.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Stitch and Glue Guillemot Sea Kayak]

[H2] S&G Guillemot
A stitch and glue interpretation of the Guillemot
$79.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot "Play" Sport Sea Kayak]

[H2] Guillemot "Play"
A responsive and playful sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Hybrid Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Hybrid Night Heron
The beauty of a strip-built deck with the quick construction of a stitch and glue hull
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Nymph Wood Strip Pack Canoe]

[H2] 12 Foot Nymph
A minimalist pack canoe for medium sized paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Ranger 15 strip built canoe plans]

[H2] Ranger 15
Traditional Pleasure Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Great Auk Double Tandem Sea Kayak]

[H2] Great Auk Double
A comfortable and efficient sea kayak for two paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Reliance tandem wood touring kayak plans]

[H2] Reliance
Comfortable and stable Tandem touring kayak
$125.00
Add to cart

[IMG: 11-Foot Little Auk Recreational Kayak]

[H2] 11 Foot Little Auk
A light weight pond kayak for larger paddlers
$109.00
Add to cart

[IMG: High Deck Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Night Heron - High Deck
The same as the regular Night Heron but with more leg room
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Greenland Style Sea Kayak Night Heron]

[H2] Greenland Night Heron
A responsive boat for Greeland style aficionados
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Strip Planked Adirondack Guide Boat]

[H2] Adirondack Guide Boat
A seaworthy traditional rowing boat
$139.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Coot Wood Strip Pram Dinghy]

[H2] Coot
A cute little wooden dinghy
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Matunuck Stitch and Glue Surf Kayak]

[H2] Matunuck
Specialty Surfing Kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Single Sheet of Plywood Kids Kayak]

[H2] "Io" Childs Kayak
A easy-to-build small kayak for kids
$49.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Ganymede Easy Plywood Kayak]

[H2] Ganymede
A simple yet functional recreational kayak
$69.00
Add to cart

[IMG: High Deck Hybrid Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Hybrid Night Heron - High Deck
A beautiful hybrid for taller paddlers
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Aleutesque Sea Kayak Inspired by Aleut Baidarka]

[H2] Aleutesque
A sleek and fast kayak loosely based on Aleut Baidarkas
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Yukon Wood Strip Racing Kayak]

[H2] Yukon Racing Sea Kayak
A sea kayak optimized for speed and efficiency
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Sea Island Sport Wood Sit on Top Kayak]

[H2] Sea Island Sport
A comfortable and stable sit on top kayak suitable for touring and fishing
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: A Simple Wood Kayak Design]

[H2] Simple
A simple shape that is simple to build and simple to paddle
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Wood Strip Mystery Racing Kayak]

[H2] Mystery
A racing sea kayak optimized for speed
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Fast Double Wooden Sea Kayak]

[H2] Fast Double
A fast efficient tandem kayak for skilled paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Razor Billed Auk Fast Touring Sea Kayak]

[H2] Razor Billed Auk
A fast, responsive sea kayak for open water and close to shore
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: High Capacity Great Auk Sea Kayak]

[H2] High Capacity Great Auk
A boat capable of carrying the kitchen sink
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Night Heron Double Sea Kayak]

[H2] Night Heron Double
A uniquely styled tandem kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Robo-Bevel]

A New Tool for Strip Builders

[IMG: Solo microBootlegger]

Solo microBootlegger

[IMG: microBootlegger Sport]

microBootlegger Sport

[IMG: Petrel Play SG]

Petrel Play SG

[IMG: Mystery Racing Kayaks]

Mystery Racing Kayaks

[IMG: Petrel, Petrel SG and Petrel Play SG]

Petrel, Petrel SG and Petrel Play SG

[H1] Catalog

Our catalog include hard-copy printed boat plans as well as boat plans in digital format. Both are available through this catalog, but orders for digital vs hard-copy are handled by different commerce systems. The digital plans are offered through a third party system and your order will be handled via that system, not combined with any orders with any physical items you may have ordered. You can browse our PDF and DXF plans on our Digital Plans Offerings Page.

[IMG: Petrel Scout Sea Worthy Recreational Kayak]

[H2] Petrel Scout SG
A capable, sea worthy, recreational kayak
$139.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Sport SG Active Water Expedition Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel Sport SG
A Quick, Active-Water Stitch and Glue Sea Kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Sport strip built active water sea kayak]

[H2] Petrel Sport
A Quick, Active-Water Sea Kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Play Strip Built Recreational Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel "Play"
Hi Performance Recreational Kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Play Stitch and Glue Recreational Kayak]

[H2] Petrel "Play" SG
A versatile recreational/play kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: microBootlegger Sport Touring Sea Kayak]

[H2] microBootlegger Sport
An efficient comfortable cross-over kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: microBootlegger Runner down wind fast touring sea kayak plans]

[H2] Runner
A fast, rough water, touring sea kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: RoboBevel Tool for Wood Strip Boat Building]

[H2] Robo-Bevel - Strip built boat beveling tool
A new tool for strip-building boats without cove and bead.
$95.00

Without Shoulder Plane
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Strip Built Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel
A rough water play kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Kipawa Cedar Strip Tripping Canoe]

[H2] Kipawa
A New Breed of Seaworthy, Maneuverable Tripping Canoes
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Bob]

[H2] Bob's Special
Classic Work & Pleasure Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Stitch and Glue Petrel Sea Kayak]

[H2] Petrel SG
A high performance stitch and glue sea kayak
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Petrel Play Stitch and Glue Recreational Kayak For Large Paddlers]

[H2] Petrel "Play" SGL
Rough Water Play Kayak for Larger Paddlers
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: MiniCel Foam Kayak Seat]

[H2] Foam Kayak Seat
A Comfortable Kayak Seat for New Builds or Replacement
$75.00

Flat Bottom

[IMG: Building Strip Planked Boats Front Cover]

[H2] Building Strip Planked Boats
Learn the skills and tricks to build any small boat with the strip-built method
$28.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Front cover of the Strip Built Sea Kayak Book]

[H2] The Strip Built Sea Kayak
The bible for building cedar strip kayaks
$24.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Canoecraft Front Cover]

[H2] CanoeCraft - by Ted Moores
An Illustrated Guide to Fine Woodstrip Construction
$24.95
Add to cart

[IMG: KayakCraft - Fine Woodstrip Kayak Construction - Front Cover]

[H2] KayakCraft - By Ted Moores
Fine Woodstrip Kayak Construction
$19.95
Add to cart

[IMG: 16]

[H2] Prospector 16
Iconic Whitewater & Touring Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Night Heron Strip Built Sea Kayak]

[H2] Night Heron
A fast, responsive sea kayak for open water and close to shore
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: microBootlegger Recreational Tandem Kayak]

[H2] microBootlegger
A modern take on a double paddle canoe
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Endeavour 17 wood strip touring kayak]

[H2] Endeavour
Classic Touring Kayak
$125.00
Add to cart

[IMG: The Strip Built Sea Kayak Great Auk]

[H2] Great Auk
A simple roomy and stable sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Winisk Wilderness Tripping Canoe Plans]

[H2] Winisk
A Modern Efficient Tripping Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Freedom 15 cedar strip asymmetrical canoe plans]

[H2] Freedom 15
Modern efficient wooden pleasure canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Strip Built Sea Kayak]

[H2] Guillemot
A quick and responsive sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Double Sea Kayak]

[H2] Guillemot Double
A roomy and stable tandem sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Solo microBootlegger Recreational Kayak]

[H2] Solo microBootlegger
A comfortable spacious recreational kayak
$119.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Mystic River Tandem Cedar Strip Canoe]

[H2] Mystic River Tandem Canoe
A Classic Elegant Cedar Wood Strip Canoe
$139.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Kite Solo Wilderness Tripping Canoe]

[H2] Kite
Ideal Small Solo Canoe For Wilderness Travel
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Freedom Solo 15/3 wood strip canoe plans]

[H2] Freedom 15/3
Modern high performance solo tripping canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Expedition Single Expedition Sea Kayak]

[H2] Expedition Single
An efficient sea kayak for long distance touring
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Freedom 17 cedar strip asymmetrical canoe plans]

[H2] Freedom 17
Modern efficient tripping canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Nymph Cedar Strip Pack Canoe]

[H2] Nymph
A minimalist cedar strip pack canoe for light paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Stitch and Glue Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Stitch and Glue Night Heron
A capable high performance sea kayak built using the stitch and glue method
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Caned Canoe Seat Plans]

[H2] Canoe Seat Plans
Custom Design from Green Valley Boat Works
$25.00
Add to cart

[IMG: DIY Wood Sea Kayak Paddle Plans]

[H2] Kayak Paddle Plans
Make a beautiful modern wood kayak paddle.
$22.00
Add to cart

[IMG: 14 Foot Great Auk Recreational Kayak]

[H2] 14 Foot Great Auk
A roomy and comfortable small kayak for lakes and harbors
$119.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot S Sea Kayak for Smaller Paddlers]

[H2] Guillemot "S"
A fun, playful sea kayak for small paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Gullemot L Sea Kayak for Larger Paddlers]

[H2] Guillemot "L"
A responsive sea kayak for larger paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Wood Strip Noank Pulling Boat Sliding Seat Rowing Craft]

[H2] Noank Pulling Boat
An efficient, sliding seat, open water rowing boat
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Little Auk Wood Kayak]

[H2] 10 Foot Little Auk
A small recreational kayak for poking around protected water
$109.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Stitch and Glue Guillemot Sea Kayak]

[H2] S&G Guillemot
A stitch and glue interpretation of the Guillemot
$79.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot "Play" Sport Sea Kayak]

[H2] Guillemot "Play"
A responsive and playful sea kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Hybrid Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Hybrid Night Heron
The beauty of a strip-built deck with the quick construction of a stitch and glue hull
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Nymph Wood Strip Pack Canoe]

[H2] 12 Foot Nymph
A minimalist pack canoe for medium sized paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Just Build It T-Shirt Front]

[H2] Just Build It T-shirt
JustBuildT - Mens Small
$25.00
[IMG: Ranger 15 strip built canoe plans]

[H2] Ranger 15
Traditional Pleasure Canoe
$95.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Great Auk Double Tandem Sea Kayak]

[H2] Great Auk Double
A comfortable and efficient sea kayak for two paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Reliance tandem wood touring kayak plans]

[H2] Reliance
Comfortable and stable Tandem touring kayak
$125.00
Add to cart

[IMG: 11-Foot Little Auk Recreational Kayak]

[H2] 11 Foot Little Auk
A light weight pond kayak for larger paddlers
$109.00
Add to cart

[IMG: High Deck Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Night Heron - High Deck
The same as the regular Night Heron but with more leg room
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Sea Kayak Skeg Instruction Manual]

[H2] Retractable Sea Kayak Skeg Plans
A professional, reliable retractable skeg for an added dimension of control.
$35.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Finished Skeg Installed on a Sea Kayak]

[H2] Carbon Fiber Kayaks Skeg Fin Kit
Reliable and efficient fin for my retractable skeg design
$50.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Kayaks T-Shirt Word Cloud Front]

[H2] Guillemot Kayaks Word Cloud T-Shirt
GKCloudT - Mens Small
$20.00
[IMG: Greenland Style Sea Kayak Night Heron]

[H2] Greenland Night Heron
A responsive boat for Greeland style aficionados
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Strip Planked Adirondack Guide Boat]

[H2] Adirondack Guide Boat
A seaworthy traditional rowing boat
$139.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Coot Wood Strip Pram Dinghy]

[H2] Coot
A cute little wooden dinghy
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Wood Recessed Kayak Deck Fittings]

[H2] Recessed Wooden Deck Fittings
Elegant and strong flush deck fittings to attach deck lines
$35.00

Maple with Cherry Bar
[IMG: Maple with a Cherry Bar Recessed Kayak Deck Fitting]
[IMG: Template for installing a Recess Deck Fitting]

[H2] Recessed Wooden Deck Fitting Router Template
Install recessed deck fittings with this router template
$25.00
Add to cart

[IMG: carved wood kayak seat]

[H2] Carved Wooden Kayak Seat Plans
Make your own sculptural wood kayak seat
$40.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Matunuck Stitch and Glue Surf Kayak]

[H2] Matunuck
Specialty Surfing Kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Single Sheet of Plywood Kids Kayak]

[H2] "Io" Childs Kayak
A easy-to-build small kayak for kids
$49.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Ganymede Easy Plywood Kayak]

[H2] Ganymede
A simple yet functional recreational kayak
$69.00
Add to cart

[IMG: High Deck Hybrid Night Heron Sea Kayak]

[H2] Hybrid Night Heron - High Deck
A beautiful hybrid for taller paddlers
$149.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Aleutesque Sea Kayak Inspired by Aleut Baidarka]

[H2] Aleutesque
A sleek and fast kayak loosely based on Aleut Baidarkas
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Yukon Wood Strip Racing Kayak]

[H2] Yukon Racing Sea Kayak
A sea kayak optimized for speed and efficiency
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Sea Island Sport Wood Sit on Top Kayak]

[H2] Sea Island Sport
A comfortable and stable sit on top kayak suitable for touring and fishing
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Black Guillemot Kayaks Cap]

[H2] Guillemot Kayaks Cap
A distinctive hat for distinctive kayaks
Black GK Hat
$20.00
[IMG: A Simple Wood Kayak Design]

[H2] Simple
A simple shape that is simple to build and simple to paddle
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Wood Strip Mystery Racing Kayak]

[H2] Mystery
A racing sea kayak optimized for speed
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Fast Double Wooden Sea Kayak]

[H2] Fast Double
A fast efficient tandem kayak for skilled paddlers
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Razor Billed Auk Fast Touring Sea Kayak]

[H2] Razor Billed Auk
A fast, responsive sea kayak for open water and close to shore
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: High Capacity Great Auk Sea Kayak]

[H2] High Capacity Great Auk
A boat capable of carrying the kitchen sink
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Night Heron Double Sea Kayak]

[H2] Night Heron Double
A uniquely styled tandem kayak
$129.00
Add to cart

[IMG: Guillemot Kayaks Logo Sticker]

[H2] Guillemot Kayaks Transfer Stickers
2 Guillemot Kayaks Logo Stickers for your kayak, car or briefcase
$10.00
Add to cart
[H2] WoodenBoat and Environs Waterproof Chart
$25.00
Add to cart
Weight
6 oz
Dimensions
24 × 2 × 2 in

[IMG: Night Heron at Museum of Modern Art]

Night Heron at Museum of Modern Art

[IMG: Nick Playing in Rough Water]

Designs by a Paddler for Paddlers

[IMG: Best in Show, Washington Crafts Show]

Best in Show, Washington Crafts Show

[IMG: Carrying Mystery for Bespoke Global]

Featured in Videos

[H1] About Guillemot Kayaks

Video by Bespoke Global
Guillemot Kayaks was created by Nick Schade in 1993 to share the kayak designs he created for his own use.
Nick grew up around canoes and kayaks. After beginning a career as an engineer for the US Navy, he knew he wanted to get back on the water himself. But as a recent graduate, he could not afford the kind of boat he wanted. So in 1986 he decided to design and build a kayak using a technique he had seen used to create canoes: the “strip-built” method. This method was popular for canoe construction but was not commonly adapted for kayaks. Nick and his brother Eric worked together to develop the processes needed to make kayaks using the “strip-built” method.
As his skill as a kayak paddler and boat builder evolved, Nick’s designs evolved to match his changing aims. The driving goal has been to maximize the on-the-water performance while respecting the natural materials used to create the boat. Out of these efforts Nick has created the business Guillemot Kayaks, centered on designing high performance sea kayaks for other craftsmen interested in building their own boats. He wrote The Strip-Built Sea Kayak, an instruction book describing the strip-built method, which has helped foster a revival in the construction of wooden kayaks. Since then he also wrote Building Strip Planked Boats to help people make any kind of boat with the cedar strip method.
He specializes in high performance kayaks whose visual beauty is a reflection of their ability to perform on the water. His technical background has influenced his use of the latest computer modeling technology to engineer high performance into his designs. Combined with an innate aesthetic sense, the resulting boats are as beautiful as they are functional.
Kayaks are different from other boats. While anyone with a solid background in naval architecture can design a decent, run of the mill kayak, to create a design that is truly exceptional at performing its intended role, the designer needs to be intimately familiar with the specifics of how a kayak moves in the water. There is only one way to gain this knowledge. The designer needs to spend a lot of time on the water. Nick has been paddling canoes and kayaks since he was 10 years old, and over 40 years later he still gets out on the water all year round. Paddling in all conditions from calm backwaters to wind and wave swept surf breaks, Nick knows what makes small human powered boats work.
A&E - In Focus Profiles - Kayak Builder from Mustache on Vimeo.
Combining this on-the-water experience with over 3 decades of practice building boats from wood and fiberglass he knows how to design a boat that can be put together in such a way that it will perform as intended. He has literally written the book on building kayaks, with many of his construction innovations now being used by professional and amateur boat builders world wide.
Nick's shop is currently located in Groton, Connecticut, where he lives with his wife Robin and builds prototypes of new designs and makes a select number of custom-built kayaks. He has taught kayak construction at Mystic Seaport, the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking and the WoodenBoat School. His custom boats have won first prize at the prestigious Washington Craft Show and he has shown at the Fine Furnishings Providence show. His work has been exhibited at the American Craft Museum, and one of his boats is in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Nick is also a Registered Maine Guide.

Email Nick here..

[IMG: Help with ordering]

[H4]
Ordering Help
Learn more about ordering from Guillemot Kayaks

[IMG: Visit Our Workshop]

[H4]
Visit Guillemot Kayaks
Arrange to visit the Guillemot Kayaks workshop.

[IMG: Guillemot Kayaks in the press]

[H4]
Press Coverage
See how Guillemot Kayaks has been talked about in the press

[IMG: Contact Us]

[H4]
Contact Us
Please call or email if you have questions about designs or your order

[H2] Upcoming Events

[IMG: Learn to Build and Adirondack Guide Boat and a Kayak]

[H2] Fine Strip Planked Boats Class @WoodenBoat School
Jun 14, 2026Nick Schade’s course teaches strip-planked boatbuilding, creating two designs: the Adirondack Guide Boat and the microBootlegger Sport sea kayak.Read More
[IMG: Chesapeake Light Craft Booth at the WoodenBoat Show]

[H2] The WoodenBoat Show w/ CLC
Jun 26, 2026The Best Wooden Boat Show on the East Coast, meet at the Chesapeake Light Craft Booth.Read More
[IMG: Sea Kayaking in Maine]

[H2] Elements of Coastal Kayaking II @WoodenBoat School
Aug 30, 2026Sea kayaking course covers strokes, braces, maneuvering, safety, navigation, and more. Students can bring their own kayaks or try Nick’s high-performance designs.Read More

Learn About Other Events

[H2] Latest Posts

[IMG: Preview image for the video]

[H3] How to Scarf Plywood and Cut Boat Panels Without a CNC Machine
Nick shows how to hand-cut stitch and glue plywood boat panels from scratch, an alternative to buying a…read more
[IMG: Chesapeake Light Craft Booth at the WoodenBoat Show]

[H3] The WoodenBoat Show w/ CLC
The Best Wooden Boat Show on the East Coast, meet at the Chesapeake Light Craft Booth.read more
[IMG: CLC at Canoecopia]

[H3] Canoecopia w/ CLC in Madison
Attending Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin, the largest paddle sports show, to present on boat building…read more

[IMG: Preview image for the video]

[H3] Epoxy Mixing Methods Every Builder Should Know
Accurate measurement and thorough mixing are crucial for successful epoxy use. Nick discusses the pros…read more

Read More Articles