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A Sleek Aleutian Style Kayak
The Baidarka is designed for the paddler who wants a unique looking boat with the performance and light weight beauty of wood at economical prices. I designed this boat to be as true to the looks of the Aleutian boats as possible with improved stability and comfort. These boats are built from Okoume mahogany plywood for strength and natural good looks. The Baidarka features the forked or bifid bow typical of Aleutian Eskimo hunting kayaks. Long waterline length and multi-chine hull make this a fast boat which will handle well in rough water. These boats track well and are little effected by wind due to their low profile.
Available with foam seat, footbraces, flush deck fittings and knob closed hatches standard. Custom built prices.
One 17 and one 19 foot Baidarka are
in stock and available for in the water trials and for immediate delivery.Available in four sizes; What size should I get?

17 foot single Baidarka

19 foot single Baidarka

21 foot Double Baidarka

Baidarka plans include full size templates (tape the sheets together and mark your plywood by punching through the paper) and detailed instructions. The Baidarka uses stitch and glue construction and the single can be assembled in about 80 hour of work. Visit my page with photos of the construction of the prototype. The 17 foot version can be built using only two sheets of Okoume plywood. Plans available for $85.00
(for more building detail purchase The KAYAK SHOP by Chris Kulsczyki, Ragged Mountain Press)
For more about the Biadarka Style of Kayak, see
The Aleutian Kayak: Origins, Construction, and Use of The Traditional Seagoing Baidarka, by Wolfgang Brinck, McGraw Hill.
(how to build skin on frame Baidarkas the traditional way.)

Baidarka, by George Dyson, Graphic Arts Center Publishing Co
(history of Aleutian Kayaks and how to build a skin on frame boat using aluminum tubing and nylon cloth)

The Bark Canoes And Skin Boats Of North America, by Edwin Tappan Adney and Howard I. Chappelle, Smithsonian Institution Press.
(Descriptions of Native American canoes and boats.)
Updated on February 2, 2010
by Shearwater Boats
Please send questions or comments to:
or call (207) 386 - 0129 or write to us at:
83
Captain Perry Drive
Phippsburg, Maine 04562
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