One reason people build boats is that they give you the opportunity to find beauty in otherwise inaccessible places. Paddlers in a 16' Prospector check out an amazing faulted rock formation in northwestern Quebec, September 2008.

Why People Build Boats

By Ron Frenette

Above: One reason people build boats is that they give you the opportunity to find beauty in otherwise inaccessible places. Paddlers in a 16′ Prospector check out an amazing faulted rock formation in northwestern Quebec, September 2008.

A rest break after crossing a big open stretch into a facing wind—day 2 of a 7-day trip. Closest is a 16’ Prospector, in the middle is Ron Frenette and his wife in their 17’ Nomad and on the outside is a traditional wood canvas canoe built in the 1950’s.

A rest break after crossing a big open stretch into a facing wind—day 2 of a 7-day trip.

The closest (above) a 16’ Prospector canoe. In the center is Ron Frenette and his wife in their 17’ Nomad canoe. On the outside is a traditional wood and canvas canoe built in the 1950s.

 

The 16’ Prospector, late in a day that saw rain and more rain. The deck is a piece of cherry, nicely sculpted, with an image of a mystical creature often seen in petroglyphs in northern Ontario.

The 16’ Prospector, late in a day that saw rain and more rain. The deck is a piece of cherry, nicely sculpted, with an image of a mystical creature often seen in petroglyphs in northern Ontario.

Somewhere in the Fox Islands chain in Georgian Bay. Submerged rocks below crystal clear water make a great backdrop for this 17’ Endeavor kayak. Another great reason why people build boats.

Somewhere in the Fox Islands chain in Georgian Bay. Submerged rocks below crystal clear water make a great backdrop for this 17’ Endeavor kayak. Another great reason why people build boats.

For more information on people building small, traditional wooden canoes and kayaks, see our article on the Small Craft Builders Rendezvous in Peterborough, Ontario.

Photos courtesy of Ron Frenette of Canadian Canoes.