Boat Design
It can feel challenging to decide on which boat is best for you. A boat’s design directly impacts how it handles on the water. A boat that is built for speed allows you to paddle fast with less effort, whereas a boat built for maneuverability makes turns quickly and easily. Understanding the different design elements will help you narrow down your options and make a more informed decision. The most apparent characteristics of our different models are length, beam, and profile, but understanding terms like tracking and initial stability are also important. Below, we have a brief description of these characteristics as well as a list of terminology to help you compare the options, so you may get that perfect fit.
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
PROFILE SIZES
The depth of a canoe can make all the difference in how you feel in the boat. A pack boat that fits well should have no more than 7" of free board (distance between the top rail of the boat and the surface of the water). A boat that is too deep for you will require you to hold the paddle higher than necessary, causing greater fatigue. This is particularly true for smaller and lighter individuals. Excess free board does not increase your safety in windy, wavy conditions; rather, it causes more of the boats surface area to act as an unwanted sail and reduces the amount of water contact with the hull making the boat harder to control. Ask any kayaker, the better the boat fits, the more control you have, and the more responsive the boat.
We offer all of our models in multiple profiles to best suit your needs and body type.
OUR HULL
No two Hornbeck boats are exactly alike and that’s by design.
Depending on the model, each hull is handcrafted using 15 to 20 internal pieces of Kevlar®, carefully laid in by hand. We build layer by layer, strategically reinforcing high-wear areas, increasing stiffness where flex can occur, and trimming weight wherever possible.
Every decision is intentional.
We do not rely on heavy gel coats. Instead, we saturate the fabric with high-impact polyester resin during construction. This process creates a hull that is exceptionally durable and highly resistant to delamination, while keeping the boat remarkably lightweight.
By building our boats this way, we allow the natural beauty of the composite materials to remain visible. Like the leather of a finely crafted designer bag, each hull develops its own subtle patterns and character. The result is a boat that’s not just high-performance, it’s one of a kind.
OUR HULL MATERIAL
Our boat hulls are made from one of three materials which are bonded into resins (as described above). The outer and inner layers "skins" can be changed by the owner’s request, for a custom appearance. The middle structure/layer and support pieces are always made of Kevlar, due to its superior impact and abrasion resistance. While there are technical differences between materials, the weight and overall strength of each is similar. So, when determining which material to us as a skin, it is mostly a matter of looks
Kevlar®:
We use genuine Kevlar® fiber (an aramid produced by DuPont) in our layups. Known for its exceptional impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and lightweight strength, Kevlar® is a proven performer on the water. Its natural yellow color will gradually tan with UV exposure over time. Scratches tend to remain subtle, making it a durable and forgiving finish for years of adventure.
Carbon:
Carbon fiber is stiffer than Kevlar®, delivering increased rigidity and crisp performance. It is also more brittle by nature and easier to tool and finish during production. Carbon maintains its deep black color over time. Because of its dark finish, scratches may be more visible compared to Kevlar®.
Matrix:
Matrix blends Kevlar® and carbon fiber to create a true “best of both worlds” construction; combining durability with added stiffness. The fabric features a distinctive green appearance that will darken slightly over time while retaining its signature look. Scratch visibility is similar to carbon fiber.
Red Matrix:
Red Matrix pairs red-dyed aramid fiber (the broader class of synthetic fibers that includes Kevlar®) with carbon fiber. The result is a strong, stiff, and visually striking layup that delivers balanced performance. Unlike natural Kevlar®, Red Matrix will maintain its vibrant color over time. Scratch visibility is comparable to carbon fiber.
Hex Matrix Fabric
(Available exclusively with our Fishing Package) Our Hex Matrix Fabric blends Kevlar® and carbon fiber into a striking fish-scale pattern that’s as purposeful as it is eye-catching. The darker finish is preferred by anglers because it casts more subtle shadows beneath the boat; unlike the semi-translucent look of a full Kevlar hull, helping you stay stealthy on the water.
This hybrid layup delivers the best of both worlds: the durability you trust from Kevlar® combined with the added stiffness of carbon fiber for confident performance. Over time, the hull will deepen slightly in tone while maintaining its distinctive green hue. Scratch visibility is comparable to our Matrix finish.
THE TRIM
Every Hornbeck boat is finished with locally sourced black cherry, used in the gunwales and thwarts across all models. Cherry is naturally resistant to rot and mildew while offering an excellent strength-to-weight ratio—making it both beautiful and practical on the water.
Only about 30% of harvested cherry meets the standard required for the full-length pieces we use, ensuring clean grain, structural integrity, and a premium finish in every boat.
All wood components are secured with stainless steel screws and fittings for long-term durability. We finish the cherry with a non-toxic, non-flammable, and sustainable blend of pure Tung oil and food-grade citrus oil. This penetrating finish enhances water and rot resistance while giving the wood a rich, silky luster that feels as good as it looks.
To keep your trim protected and looking its best, we recommend reapplying the oil approximately twice per year. With simple care, your cherry trim will age gracefully and remain beautiful for decades of adventures.
THE SEAT
Our seats are thoughtfully engineered to deliver both all-day comfort and built-in safety. We use 2.2 lb closed-cell polyethylene foam, a material chosen for its exceptional durability, light weight, and resistance to tears, rips, and stains. It’s one of the most reliable options available for long-term performance on the water.
Because this foam is highly buoyant, it also serves as part of the boat’s flotation system. That dual purpose allows us to keep the overall boat weight to an absolute minimum.
Comfort is just as important as durability. The seat design relieves pressure on the thighs to promote healthy circulation through the legs, hips, and feet, especially during longer paddles. A subtle backward tilt builds up the front edge for natural support, while the low-profile design keeps your center of gravity low, enhancing overall stability and confidence on the water.
FOOT BRACES
Lightweight, durable, and completely maintenance-free, our foot brace system is designed to give you a secure, efficient paddling position every time you’re on the water. With approximately 10 inches of adjustment, they can be easily moved to dial in your fit, even while on the water. Foot braces come standard on all models.
When you pick up your boat, we personally measure and install your foot braces to ensure a precise fit. If your boat will be shared, we can position them with multiple users in mind so everyone enjoys a comfortable, confident paddling experience.
