Here at Hornbeck Boats we don't just build them, we use them. Not only are our staff skilled at their trades, they are fundamentally paddlers. From designing the forms, to tying the boat on the customer's car, the staff's know-how has shaped every aspect of the 'Hornbeck Experience'. We made a fundamental decision to only sell our boats through our location. This not only allows us to lower your cost by removing the middlemen, but makes the process of looking for a boat more than a sales pitch. We truly want to have a conversation with you (whether it be by phone, email, or in person) so we can make sure you get the right boat to meet your goals and needs. If shopping in person, you can also see where your boat is made and we can get you into a boat on the water at our on-site pond, so you can see how it fits, feels, and paddles.
Hornbeck Boats are hand made from beginning to end at our facility in the Adirondacks. From the layup shop, to the wood shop, then directly to you.
history
Peter Hornbeck grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, dreaming of a life in wilder surroundings. Hornbeck Boats, the company he founded with his wife, Ann, was a realization of his dreams.
Hornbeck Boats, the company he founded with his wife, Ann, was a realization of his dreams.
The Hornbecks married in 1969 and moved to the Adirondack Park in 1971 when they were both offered jobs at local public schools. They bought a broken-down house on Trout Brook Road in the tiny hamlet of Olmstedville, in the town of Minerva (pop. 700). Pete found the wilderness he was looking for in the Adirondack Mountains.
He was already messing around in boats. He bought kayak molds and began making kayaks.
During a visit to a museum now called Adirondack Experience, Pete saw one of John Henry Rushton’s boats for the first time. Rushton, (1843-1906) was a boat builder based in Canton, NY. Pete was inspired by Rushton’s Wee Lassie. Only 10-feet, six-inches long, it could be piloted with a double-bladed paddle and easily transported into the deep woods.
Rather than using wood, as Rushton had, Pete experimented with fiberglass, then Kevlar and carbon fiber. For decades, the business was his second job. He came home from school, changed into clothes spattered with resin and worked on boats for a few hours until Ann called him for dinner.
After the house was fixed up, he built a shop and then a pond where customers could try out boats. Customers found their way to Trout Brook Road through word-of-mouth as the business grew one boat at a time.
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At Ann’s suggestion, Pete added a red stripe to the boat so they were easily recognizable on water and on car tops all over the Adirondacks.
Over time, Pete expanded the product line to include a 12-foot boat, a 14 footer and many more. He retired from teaching in 1992. Designing was his favorite part of the business; over the years he created a canoe with a deck, a canoe with a sail, his own version of a sea kayak and guideboats in three lengths.
Ann retired from teaching in 2002 and in 2018, Pete turned daily operations of the business over to his son-in-law, Josh Trombley. Josh is married to Pete and Ann’s only child, their daughter, Leigh. Josh and Leigh have two sons, Rushton and Devlin.
Pete didn’t stray far from the boat shop. He loved to tell stories, putter around, and watch people paddle boats in the summertime. Pete died at home on Dec. 26, 2020 following a walk in the woods with his family. His passing from a heart attack was sudden and unexpected, but it brings his family tremendous comfort to know he died knowing the fullness of his dreams. His legacy of ambition and creativity guides the staff at Hornbeck each and every day.
Listen to our CEO Josh Trombley as he joined ADK Talks to share the story of Peter Hornbeck, the legacy behind our ultralight pack canoes, and what makes Hornbeck Boats so special.
Meet the People Behind the Boats
We’re paddlers, anglers, hikers, and Adirondack locals — and we build the boats we love to use ourselves.
Pack Boat Sales Leader
Andrew Rasmus
With Hornbeck Boats since 2019
Andrew Rasmus has worn many hats at Hornbeck Boats, from building boats in the shop to helping paddlers discover the right model for their adventures. He takes pride in teaching others, sharing his passions, and ensuring every boat he touches is built to last.
Beyond his work with boats, Andrew connects with the paddling community as Hornbeck’s social media and website manager. Whether guiding a first-time paddler, walking someone through model comparisons, or demonstrating the proper way to enter and exit a boat, his approach is patient, informed, and grounded in real-world experience.
Outside the shop, Andrew enjoys exploring the Southern Schroon River, his favorite local paddle spot, and sharing the joy of the outdoors with friends and customers alike.
“I’m proud to be part of Hornbeck Boats because I get to help people get outside and experience the places we love.”
Store Leader
Holly Favro-Veiders
With Hornbeck Boats since 2022
Holly Veiders brings decades of outdoor retail experience and a deep appreciation for community to her role as Store Leader at Hornbeck Boats. Her connection to Hornbeck goes back years, first as a customer while working at Eastern Mountain Sports, where she got to know Peter Hornbeck through his regular visits in search of new gear. That connection eventually came full circle when she joined the team, a move that brought her back to the kind of small, family-driven environment she values most.
Holly thrives on helping customers discover what’s possible with a Hornbeck boat. Whether it’s guiding someone through their first purchase or hearing stories from longtime owners who’ve spent decades on the water, she finds joy in the excitement these boats create. Drawing on her background in teaching and the outdoor industry, she helps customers understand not just the boats themselves, but how they can open the door to new experiences.
She also enjoys sharing the craftsmanship behind each boat, from the hand-laid layers of fabric to the unique patterns that appear when sunlight shines through, details that many customers don’t realize until they see them up close.
Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her husband of 19 years and their dog Milo, who many visitors may recognize from the shop. She can often be found gardening, cooking, knitting, or relaxing on the deck with a cup of coffee. Having grown up in upstate New York with strong family ties to the Adirondacks, she values the opportunity to live and work in a place that means so much to so many.
“I’m proud to be part of Hornbeck Boats because it’s an iconic brand that continues to connect people to the outdoors in a meaningful way.”
Production Manager
Randy Kuba
With Hornbeck Boats since 2014 (2014–2019, 2021–present)
Randy Kuba oversees the production floor at Hornbeck Boats with a mix of care, expertise, and a love for the craft. Introduced to the shop through a family connection, Randy quickly found that Hornbeck was more than a job — it became a lifestyle. The laid-back, fun atmosphere, combined with the joy of seeing people get outdoors in the boats they build, keeps him motivated every day.
He enjoys the variety of the season — no two days are ever the same — and takes pride in the simple, thoughtful design of each Hornbeck boat. Randy loves knowing that the boats they craft make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them explore, relax, and connect with nature.
Outside the shop, Randy is a family man, happily married for nearly 20 years with a daughter and two sons. He spends his free time paddling, camping, enjoying the beach, or playing the drums — a hobby he’s had since childhood. For him, a perfect day off includes an early sunrise paddle, a day at the beach, and a sunset campfire with family.
Raised just outside the Adirondack Park, Randy values the small-town lifestyle and the natural beauty surrounding Hornbeck Boats, especially spots like Minerva Beach.
“I’m proud to be part of Hornbeck Boats because I’m part of a team carrying on an Adirondack legacy that Pete and Ann built from the ground up!”
Boat Builder
Andy Fish
With Hornbeck Boats since 2021
Andy Fish builds each boat with a strong sense of pride, purpose, and connection to the people around him. Introduced to Hornbeck Boats through his brother David, Andy quickly found that working here was about more than just building canoes; it was about being part of something meaningful and family-driven.
He especially enjoys his time in the wood shop, where attention to detail and hands-on craftsmanship come together. One of the details he takes the most pride in is engraving his name into every boat he builds; a quiet signature that reflects the care and accountability behind each one.
For Andy, what sets Hornbeck Boats apart is simple: every step is done by hand, by local builders who stand behind their work. That pride is rooted not just in the boats themselves, but in the people building them side by side.
Outside of the shop, Andy enjoys attending church and participating in men’s Bible study. On a perfect day off, you’ll find him relaxing by the ocean. Living and working in the Adirondacks, he appreciates the natural beauty surrounding him, describing it as “God’s glory around every corner.”
“I’m proud to be part of Hornbeck Boats because we take the work seriously… just not ourselves.”
Boat Builder
David Fish
With Hornbeck Boats since 2019
David Fish plays a key role on the production floor, helping bring each Hornbeck boat to its final form. He enjoys being part of a positive, close-knit team and takes pride in building something that others can enjoy for years to come. For David, the work is rewarding not just because of the product, but because of the people and the environment that make it all possible.
He especially enjoys installing the backrests and seats; the final step that brings each boat together and gets it ready for the water. Known for keeping a clean and organized workspace, David takes pride in the details that help ensure every boat meets Hornbeck’s standards.
To him, Hornbeck Boats stands out as a family-run business built on respect, quality, and a genuine passion for what they do. Each boat is crafted by hand, and as David puts it, “built with love.”
Outside of work, David spends his time with his wife Krysta and their three kids, Lily, Jeremiah, and Noah. As a family, they enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible fishing, hunting, and exploring together. He’s also recently taken up making maple syrup, a tradition he plans to continue for years to come. A perfect day off for David starts early, heading into the woods at sunrise. Living and working so close to nature, he values being just steps away from places others travel to experience, with local favorites like Donnelly Beach offering time to relax, fish, and enjoy family outings.
“I’m proud to be part of Hornbeck Boats because I enjoy building something that brings joy to others.”
Composite Specialist
Seth French
With Hornbeck Boats since 2019
Seth French plays a key role in the construction of every Hornbeck boat, specializing in composite work that forms the foundation of each hull. Since joining the team in 2019, he has developed a deep appreciation for the balance of strength, weight, and precision that goes into every layer. For Seth, the process is equal parts skill and patience; knowing that each step directly impacts how the boat performs for years to come.
He takes pride in the details that customers may never see, from carefully laying fabrics to ensuring a clean, consistent finish throughout the build.
Seth values the hands-on nature of the work and the close-knit team environment, where every boat is built by people who genuinely care about the end result. Being part of a small, dedicated crew allows him to stay connected to the process from start to finish, and to the people who will ultimately use the boats.
Outside of the shop, Seth enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and making the most of the Adirondack region. Whether it’s a quiet day exploring or time with friends and family, he appreciates the simple access to nature that comes with living and working in the area.
“I’m proud to be part of Hornbeck Boats because every boat we build reflects the care and craftsmanship we put into it.”