For unforgettable expeditions
Every marklee boat is born from a simple challenge: How can we make the water more accessible?
For many, the barrier to a day on the lake isn't the paddling, it’s the size and weight of the boat.
My mission is to build vessels that are light enough for a child to carry, yet durable enough for a lifetime of exploration. Multiple boats are able to "nest" into each other like Russian Dolls, meaning a family of four can go paddling for the day in just one car!
That connect you to the water
Hand Crafted and custom-Designed
Each boat is sized to the customer for their projected activities and environmental conditions: protected or semi-protected waters. Each boat is built to suit, BY HAND in the USA. marklee boats stand out with features like:
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Ultralight Performance: a 12'6" pack canoe weighs starting at 20 lbs.
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Nesting: By eliminating the center thwart, these boats can nest together. This allows you to transport twice the number of boats in the same amount of space.
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Built by Hand: Each boat is built one at a time in my workshop. No two are identical, because each one is specifically built to your individual needs, wants and desires.
HONORING TRADITION
Skin-On-Frame Method
The ancient North American indigenous construction technique called Skin-On-Frame utilizes a resilient wood skeleton lashed together and "skinned" with a heavy-duty nylon. The result is a drum-tight, translucent hull that is significantly lighter than modern plastic or fiberglass composites.
The frame is composed of Alaskan yellow cedar for gunwales and stringers. White oak is steam bent for the ribs. The skin is a stretched heavy duty nylon with four coats of two-part urethane.
A NEW SPIN on an ancient technique
The tension in the skin design eliminates a permanent center thwart, allowing appropriately sized boats to "nest" into each other like Russian Dolls.
No more complicated roof racks, or taking two cars!
The result: an easily transported, lightweight canoe for even the most spontaneous trips.
Out In The world
TESTIMONIALS
"marklee boats are a 10+ out of 10. Having owned many kayaks, these boats are exceptionally well crafted, perfectly balanced and very light weight, allowing you to easily carry them to any put in. They perform in the water as well as they look. Smooth and secure with every paddle."
marklee boats have been a game changer for getting back on the water. We live down a block from the harbor and I am able to carry and launch it off the beach. As a 64 year old woman that makes all the difference in the world for "accessibility" to the water. My husband and I have the nesting canoes which make it super easy to travel with on top of the car. It's great to explore the lakes and harbor with marklee canoes.
ROB WALLACE, 45+ YEARS OF KAYAK EXPERIENCE
ANDREA, LONG ISLAND, NY
Invest in adventure
“Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.”
- Jaime Lyn Beatty
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BUNDLE DEALS AVAILABLE FOR NESTING PAIRS AND TRIPLETS!
Begin order
Each boat is customized to the specifics of the paddler! Contact me and you will receive a brochure and questionnaire regarding features, options and sizing.
After reviewing the materials, we will conduct an online interview to discuss the details of your order.
Turnaround time for delivery is typically 3-4 weeks, depending on complexity.
My Story
As a practicing architect for over 30 years, I was always enamored with the relationship between the structure and enclosure (skin) of a building. I always made things, from carpentry to furniture to art. Now to boat building seems so natural for me, especially as I rediscover my love of the forest, fishing and camping.
marklee boats is a way of life for me. After entering the world of paddling, I realized that canoes offer several advantages over kayaks. Since I won't go out in heavy weather, even in a kayak, why do I need a closed boat?
A canoe is so much easier for my aching bones to get in and out. There's so much room for a beer, and a dog, and a cooler and camping gear...
This started about three years ago and a dozen small (pack) canoes ago. I have moved, thanks to NextFab's Artisan Accelerator program, out of my basement to NextFab. Now I have a great facility and culture of super talented people, where I can make larger (full size solo) canoes; thus accelerating Marklee Boats to the next level.