Your Adventure. Your Story. Your Hemlock.
Each Hemlock canoe is built by hand, one at a time. This guide helps you shape a canoe that fits how you paddle, where you go, and what matters most to you.
FIT · MATERIALS · FINISHING TOUCHES
Canoe Buying Guide
Choosing the right canoe comes down to a few key decisions. Below, you’ll explore hull options, choose how your canoe is built, and add the personal details that matter to you.
Take this guide at your own pace — each section stands on its own.
hull selection
Choose Your Canoe Model
Start by narrowing down the hull that best fits how and where you paddle. You can answer a few questions for a recommendation, compare models directly, or skip ahead if you already know what you’re looking for.
Recommended Models
Recommended Models
Based on how you’ll paddle and the conditions you described, these models are the best fit. You can still compare specs below.
A full sized, quick, efficient solo tripper
A mid-sized, quick, efficient solo tripper
Classic tandem- full capacity yet still nimble
Stable and versatile- can be tandem, solo or both
“Solo River Tripper” that’s also at home on big lakes
Quick and nimble compact day tripper
Lightweight, compact pack canoe that paddles like a kayak
An Adirondack pack canoe w/ greater gear capacity
A quick, snappy performance pack canoe
Compare Models
Explore and compare models directly below.
model
best for
solo/tandem
load range
water type
length
width (WL/GW)
rocker
Peregrine
Efficient, full sized solo tripper
Solo
Full
Lakes / easy rivers
15’9″
26.5″ / 26.5″
1.75″ / 1.25″
Kestrel
Efficient, mid-sized solo tripper
Solo
Medium
Lakes / easy rivers
14’9″
25.5″ / 25.5″
1.75″ / 1.25″
SRT
Solo River Tripper
Solo
Full
Rivers / open lakes
15′
26″ / 26.5″
2.5″ / 1.5″
Mayfly
Quick, nimble, compact day tripper
Solo
Light – mid
Lakes / easy rivers
12’5″
25.5″ / 24.5″
1″ / 0.75″
Eaglet
Stable and versatile- can be tandem, solo or both
Combi
Full
All over
15’7″
30.5″ / 30.5″
1.5″ / 1.5″
Eagle
Classic tandem- full capacity yet still nimble
Tandem
Full
All over
16’5″
32.25″ / 32″
1.75″ / 1.75″
Nessmuk
Lightweight, compact pack canoe that paddles like a kayak
Solo – pack
Light
Lakes / easy rivers
10’6″
25″ / 27″
1.75″ / 1.75″
Nessmuk XL
An Adirondack pack canoe w/ greater gear capacity
Solo – pack
mid-full
Lakes / easy rivers
11’10”
26″ / 28″
1.75″ / 1.75″
Mayfly Pack
Quick, snappy performance pack canoe
Solo – pack
Light – mid
Lakes / easy rivers
12’5″
25.5″ / 24.5″
1″ / .75″
Shaman
Innovative whitewater playboat
Solo
Medium
Whitewater
13’2″
26″ / 26.5″
5″ / 5.75″
Layup & construction ·
How your canoe is built
Now that you’ve chosen a hull that matches how you paddle, the next step is finding a layup that does the same. The hull you selected is available in all four of our layups. Each of our layups is a specific combination of materials designed around three key considerations: weight, durability, and cost. Every layup strikes their own balance of factors allowing you to emphasize the one that matters most to you.
Explore the layups → Premium+, ROC, Kevlar Hybrid, and FLX in details below
Layup name
ROC
Optimized for
Durability
In the wild
Built for rocky rivers, shallow water, rough landings, and paddling in the places where durability matters, ROC is a layup that offers expedition-level confidence throughout years of repeated use.
Materials
Innegra
Advanced protection against impact and abrasion
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Also consider
Lightest
If minimizing carry weight matters more to you than toughness, take a look at the FLX layup
Cost
For extra cost savings check out the Kevlar Hybrid layup
Layup name
FLX
Optimized for
Lightweight
In the wild
FLX is built for paddlers who want to lighten their load. It’s easier to lift onto a vehicle and more manageable to carry on long portages — spend less effort getting to the launch and more time out on the water.
Materials
Carbon Fiber
The best way to get lightweight stiffness and strength. We utilize the highest quality, spread tow, 12K, aerospace grade carbon that goes beyond other carbon layups
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Also consider
Durability
If having the absolute toughest construction is your top priority, take a look at the ROC layup
Cost
For extra cost savings check out the Kevlar Hybrid layup
Layup name
Kevlar Hybrid
Optimized for
Affordability
In the wild
Cost conconscious composites
Built for accessible paddling, tripping, and all-around use, Kevlar Hybrid offers a dependable composite layup — keeping cost in check without giving up everyday durability.
Materials
Kevlar
Rugged and resistant to damage, Kevlar has been trusted in the wild by savy paddlers for decades.
S-Glass
Composite performance – affordable pricetag
Also consider
Durability
If having the absolute toughest construction is your top priority, take a look at the ROC layup
Cost
For extra cost savings check out the Kevlar Hybrid layup
Layup name
Premium+
Optimized for
Versatility
In the wild
Built as a true all-around layup, Premium Plus balances weight, durability, and cost for paddlers who want one canoe that does everything well across a wide range of conditions.
Materials
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Also consider
Durability
If maximizing toughness is your top priority, take a look at the ROC layup
Cost
For extra cost savings check out the Kevlar Hybrid layup
Lightest
If minimizing carry weight matters most to you, take a look at the FLX layup
Layup & construction ·
How your canoe is built
Now that you’ve chosen a hull that matches how you paddle, the next step is finding a layup that does the same. The hull you selected is available in all four of our layups. Each of our layups is a specific combination of materials designed around three key considerations: weight, durability, and cost. Every layup strikes their own balance of factors allowing you to emphasize the one that matters most to you.
Explore the layups → Premium+, ROC, Kevlar Hybrid, and FLX in details below
Layup name
ROC
Optimized for
Durability
In the wild
Built for rocky rivers, shallow water, rough landings, and paddling in the places where durability matters, ROC is a layup that offers expedition-level confidence throughout years of repeated use.
Materials
Innegra,
Advanced protection against impact and abrasion
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Also Consider
FLX layup ⇔ Lighter
Kevlar Hybrid ⇔ Lower cost
Layup name
FLX
Optimized for
Lightweight
In the wild
FLX is built for paddlers who want to lighten their load. It’s easier to lift onto a vehicle and more manageable to carry on long portages — spend less effort getting to the launch and more time out on the water.
Materials
Carbon Fiber
Advanced protection against impact and abrasion
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Also Consider
ROC layup ⇔ Toughest
Kevlar Hybrid ⇔ Lower cost
Layup name
Kevlar Hybrid
Optimized for
Affordability
In the wild
Cost conconscious composites
Built for accessible paddling, tripping, and all-around use, Kevlar Hybrid offers a dependable composite layup — keeping cost in check without giving up everyday durability.
Materials
Kevlar
Rugged and resistant to damage, Kevlar has been trusted in the wild by savy paddlers for decades.
S-Glass
Composite performance – affordable pricetag
Also Consider
ROC layup ⇔ Toughest
FLX layup ⇔ Lightest
Layup name
Premium +
Optimized for
Versatility
In the wild
Built as a true all-around layup, Premium Plus balances weight, durability, and cost for paddlers who want one canoe that does everything well across a wide range of conditions.
Materials
Carbon Fiber
Aerospace grade stiffness and strength
Kevlar
A puncture resistant backbone- proven tough over decades
Also Consider
ROC layup ⇔ Toughest
FLX layup ⇔ Lightest
Kevlar Hybrid ⇔ Cost savings
Exterior color
Choose Your Color
Color brings personality to your canoe. Available options depend on your chosen layup, and you can preview how each looks before moving on.
Solid gel coat colors lend a classic look. For a more modern look, our protectant clear coat allows the composite materials to shine through — Add a waterline patch to the bottom of your clear canoe for a pop of color and some added scratch protection
For Kevlar Hybrid layups, please select your favorite solid gel coat color (clear unavaiable)
Click below to preview a color
Gel coat options:
The clear coat look:
Waterline patch (optional):
Can be added to any clear coated canoe:
FINISHING TOUCHES
Personalize the Details
Every Hemlock canoe is built one at a time, allowing us to customize details to fit just right.
Our builders love the opportunity to add a personalized touch to their canoes. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any ideas you want to explore. The following are some standard options:
Nothing here is mandatory — they’re just ways to make the canoe feel more like it truly belongs to you
Wood Trim
Wood Trim
Wood trim is one of the most distinctive ways to personalize a Hemlock canoe. On new builds, paddlers can select their own unique, one-of-one trim package that includes the seats, thwarts, decks, and handles.
Trim packages
We work with a range of hardwoods, including ash, cherry, walnut, maple, basswood, and butternut. Different species bring subtle differences in color, grain, and feel, allowing each canoe to develop its own character over time.
Gunwales and deck details
Slotted or unslotted gunwales affect both appearance and function, while scuppered decks add drainage and visual interest at the stems.
Together, these details shape the look and feel of the canoe in a way that uniquely stands out, even among other Hemlock builds.
Seating
Seating
Seating plays a major role in comfort and control. We often adjust seat height depending on whether a paddler prefers to kneel, or sit– kneeling paddlers typically need a higher seat position while a lower position allows seated paddlers to feel more stable in the boat.
Seats are available in different widths and contours, allowing us to fine-tune support based on body type and paddling style.
These adjustments are subtle, but they can dramatically change how relaxed and connected you feel once you’re on the water.
Reinforcements
Reinforcements
For paddlers who expect harder use, we offer additional reinforcements that can be built directly into the hull.
Internal skid plates are available in different weights to protect high-wear areas without changing the exterior appearance of the canoe.
We can also add reinforcement to support larger paddlers, heavier loads, or paddling with companions like dogs — all tailored to how the canoe will actually be used.
These options quietly extend the life of the canoe while preserving its balance and clean lines.
Color Details
Color Details
In addition to our standard primary hull colors, there are a few available ways to add subtle visual contrast.
Two-tone waterline patches can introduce a pop of color while providing extra scuff protection in high-contact areas.
We also offer special-order and custom color options for paddlers looking for something unique beyond the standard palette.
Availability and lead times can vary, and we’re always happy to talk through what’s possible.
Comfort
Comfort
Small comfort-focused details can make long days on the water more enjoyable.
Fixed or detachable yokes can be chosen to suit your carrying style. Adding foot braces help seated paddlers feel more connected to the canoe.
Additional options like closed-cell foam padding and seat backs provide extra support without compromising the canoe’s simplicity.
These are the kinds of details we typically fine-tune together once the overall direction of the build is clear.
NEXT STEPS
Talk With a Builder
You don’t need every detail finalized to move forward. If you share your general direction—model, layup, and anything you care about—we’ll help you dial in the details and make sure the build fits how you actually paddle.
We’ll respond with clear recommendations—no pressure, no hard sell.
Prefer to keep browsing? Compare models, explore layups, or jump to color and details above.