A little bit of maintenance and your boat will give you decades of adventures. Clean the inside and outside of your boat with soapy water. Periodically apply tung oil to the wood and 303 aerospace protectant to the hull. Store it away from the sun and weather.

For more details visit our care and maintenance section.

Kevlar is more abrasion- and impact-resistant than carbon fiber and is positioned internally in stress areas of carbon hulls. Kevlar hulls are more visible on the water and less expensive than carbon fiber canoes. There's no significant weight difference between the two materials in our boats.

Yes, we can ship boats to your location using private shipping firms to ensure safe delivery. Shipping times may vary based on delivery schedules. Costs depend on your location, the number of boats, and fuel prices. For East Coast shipping, call us at 518-251-2764 for an estimate. For shipping west of NY, contact KAS Transport directly at kas@shipyourkayak.com with your details for a quote. You can also pick up your boat at our Minneapolis, MN location.

Even if you can't visit us, we'll ensure you get the perfect boat. We'll discuss your height, weight, physical condition, intended use, skill level, and any questions you have. Our knowledgeable sales staff will help you make the right choice.

Use duct tape for a quick fix on the outside of the hull. Bring the boat to us and if it's a relatively easy fix, we'll fix it for free while you wait. (Please call ahead for an appointment) If it's more involved you'll have to leave it here and we'll charge you a nominal fee for the repairs. If you don't live nearby, we can send you repair materials. Visit our repair page for more details

We do so through the use of premium materials, a unique building technique, and omitting strictly cosmetic components. We use carbon fiber and Kevlar in our hulls exclusively because these are the lightest, strongest materials available. We build the entire hull at one time so all of the resin molecules can cross-link at the same time; forming chemical and not mechanical bonds. We use no gel coat or skin coat. If something is purely cosmetic, you won't find it on our boats. No cane or molded seats, no array of colors, etc. As Leonardo da Vinci said, "Simplicity is the essence of sophistication." for more information visit components of the Hornbeck difference.

Our boats are designed to use a low angle paddle sroke. This allows the user to put less stress on smaller muscles and shoulders, while using less energy, to stay out longer. The length of the paddle is determines by the width of the boat to allow enough reach to comfurtably paddle without hitting the sides of the boat. We have paddles of varying lengths for use with our demonstrators on our pond so you can judge for yourself. But if you'd prefer, bring your own paddle to try it out with our canoes. (for more inforamtion visit the paddle selection section under education)

We do not accept trade-ins. Hornbeck boats have been found to have great resale value. Boats that are cared for, even 10+ years old, typically sell for 80% of the retail price. The 'Hornbeck Boat Lovers' Facebook Page is the most successful location to be able to sell your boat; with Craigs List and Ebay also being common.

We prioritize keeping our boats light, so we don't use gel coats or other materials. Our color options are limited to black (carbon), yellow (Kevlar), or a greenish combination of both (matrix).

No, carbon fiber boats won't get hot in the sun. They take on the temperature of their environment. So, if the water is 75 degrees, your boat will be too.