Lowell Kayak

An old idea revisited

In the late 1970's, LBS owner Jim Odell was seeking to expand the market for Lowell's Boats into the rowing shell area, while still maintaining Lowell's dory construction techniques. He found an award-winning 1930 Herreschoff Double-Paddle Canoe that fit the bill. Writing for the The Rudder in the 1940's and 50's, L. Francis Herreschoff described the double-paddle canoe thus:

"Almost nothing wil stop them, for they can go over very shallow water and between rocks, or cross rough stretches which would swamp or capsize all other small craft. In fact almost nothing but ice will stop them."

"As for the exercise of paddling -- well, in the double-paddle canoe you can usually make it either as strenuous or as light as you like, and for this reason, this sort of paddling is ideal for the semi-invalid or the elderly person."

" … the double-paddle canoe gives the most fun for the money of any type of boat that a person can possess, and I must say it is my favorite form of aquatic sport."

Lowell's built our version of Herreschoff canoe, and called it the "On-Board" Dory, named after the sliding rowing rig that Odell planned to use in it. Today, we are coming full circle to once again fit out this boat as a double-paddle canoe, which is now popularly known as a kayak.

The Lowell Kayak may be rowed by one person using the sliding "ON-BOARD system" and a pair of 9'9" sculls, or it may be paddled by one or two people from stationary seats with adjustable backrests and footrests.

Lowell Kayak specifications:

Standard models are now made with cedar planking, oak stem and frames, and mahogany details. Fastenings are copper rivets and silicon bronze ring nails and screws. Bottoms and decks are encapsulated in System Three epoxy with fiberglass cloth on the outside. Standard finish is quality marine enamel on the hull and interior, and varnish on rails, transom and thwarts. Removeable ONBOARD sliding feet rowing system, adjustable backrests and foot rests, brass half-oval rub strips, floor boards, kayak paddles, oars, boat cover, and boat dolly are also available.

Standard features and finish can be customized which may either increase or lower the end cost. Unfinished boats are available at a substantially discounted price. Since all Lowell boats are handmade from patterns, dimensions are approximate. We reserve the right to alter our specifications when appropriate without prior notice.