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Patrick Smith is a
professional boat builder, specializing in Classic Cedar Canvas Canoes. He
is a Charter member of Wooden Canoe Builders Guild and Wooden Canoes
Heritage Association. Pat is also an instructor at the Adirondack Boat
Building & Water Skills School, Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake, NY.
The West Hollow Boat Co. is located on 70 acres of hardwood forest in the
Bristol Hills wine country of the Finger Lakes Region, New York State and
30 miles south of Rochester.
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My boats are very special. I
create them, handcraft them, one at a time. Each one is approached as a
piece of art. Some of the wood used is from my own forest. I believe
every tree growing on my land has a special character. I carefully select
these trees for continuity of grain and color. In addition to this native
lumber, I use Vermont grown eastern white cedar, and exotic imported
hardwoods. Every frame is steam bent over my uniquely designed form. The
matched planks are closely fit and hand nailed with brass tacks. Next, the
heavy canvas cloth is added. It is stretched tight, filled and sanded,
then painstakingly hand painted. The seats are handsomely fashioned and
hand caned for added beauty. I custom carve my own paddles, carrying yokes
and thwarts. I use the highest quality brass and silicon bronze
fasteners. These final finishes are truly magnificent and excite both
visual and tactile senses. These extra features are the final touches on
what I consider to be the finest canoes available.
At the West Hollow Boat Yard,
I am also equipped to do full restorations and repairs on any wooden canoe
or boat, using the same high quality materials and exerting the same
personal care to each step of restoration.
If you are interested in
owning one of these classic, hand-made canoes or have one that you would
like to rejuvenate, I can be reached by phone or mail.
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