.png)
The Lightest Boats
in the Woods
Find that Perfect Fit
In Paddle sports, many manufacturers produce products designed to be one size fits all and that size usually seems to be "men's medium". If you're a "woman's small" or "men's extra large", you are out of luck because the boat you are purchasing will never perform optimally on the water for you. When a boat is designed to fit its user, the difference is dramatic. Here at Hornbeck Boats, we offer multiple lengths and profiles along with our adjustable backrest, foot brace system, and seat to create a boat just right for you.
Our staff are trained, experienced, and patient to guide you through this process. We have an on-site pond to demo boats and related equipment, to insure that perfect fit.
​​
​​
The perfect fit program came out of the experience our founder, Peter Hornbeck, had
while shopping for another of his hobbies.
“I came up with the perfect fit program after I purchased a bicycle at a high end bike shop.
I was impressed with the wide range of bikes available in my size and the effort taken by the staff to insure I got a bike that actually fit me. I've ridden bikes most of my life and the bike I bought that day was the first bike that actually fit me. The difference was dramatic. I was convinced the bike shop model would work in paddle sports." says Peter
What is a Pack Boat?
Pack boats were developed over 150 years ago as short, lightweight craft designed to be maneuverable and easy to portage in the backwoods of the Adirondacks
Simply put, a pack boat is a small open topped canoe, with a kayak style seat.
The user sits on the floor of the craft and uses a double bladed paddle.
Foot Pegs
Lots of Space for Gear
Open Hull
Space for the User to Stretch and Readjust Freely
Kayak Style Seat
Easy To Get In And Out Of
Low Center Of Gravity
Increasing Stability
Paddled Solo
Easy To Load On A Car And Portage
Low Freeboard
Paddles Better In The Wind
Uses
Double Bladed Paddle
Lighter Than Most Kayaks Or Canoes
The
Difference?
A lot of thought goes into every model we offer.
When creating a design, we have a set of goals that guide us:
Light Weight
A boat that is easy to put on and off the car or carry on that long distance portage.
Minimalist
No feature will add unnecessary weight or cost
Durable
Able to hold up under challenging conditions and repeated use
Versatile
Ability to perform well in a variety of conditions with a variety of people
Explore Our Boats
Inspired by Henry Rushton's original pack boat designs of the 1880's, the Classic pack boats have beams ranging 28" to 30". It has a flattened bottom with a firm transition for very good initial stability. The bow and stern stems form a sharp 'V' underwater to improve tracking in wind. The flare of the bow and stern at the top edge of the boat deflects water for a dry ride in waves. The short length and flattened bottom makes this canoe easy to turn. The net result is a very user-friendly, stable boat that's well-suited for the average paddler and perfect for fishing, photography, and carrying gear, even in windy and wavy conditions.
The Classic
The New Trick
In the Early 2000's, Peter Hornbeck departed from his previous designs to create a quicker and more responsive boat. The New Trick pack boats have beams ranging 24" to 26". a linear hull shape allows them to cut through the water faster than the Classic designs. The narrower hull has a high final stability, but provides a more dynamic feel for speed and maneuverability. The top edge of the boat flares to deflect water for a dry ride in waves. This results in a more sporty boat with a glove-like fit.
