Family-owned since 1974, Oak Orchard Canoe, Inc. grew from three canoes on the Finleys’ front lawn into a Waterport paddlesports business now run by the founders’ son Todd and daughter-in-law Anita. It is known for letting customers try boats on its private Loch Finley before buying, with experienced staff providing practical guidance and ongoing repair service.
Nova Craft CanoeSince 1970, Nova Craft Canoe has built Canadian-made canoes in London, Ontario, growing from a garage operation producing fiberglass boats into a manufacturer of classic designs rendered in modern composite and polyethylene materials. Its best-known Prospector is a versatile, gear-hauling tripping canoe rooted in Canadian canoeing history, while the broader catalogue serves paddlers from quiet-water families to backcountry and whitewater travelers. Nova Craft also repairs composite canoes from any brand at its London factory and backs its canoes with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.CLEVELAND, OH
Brooklyn Kayak CompanyBorn from its founders’ time fishing and kayaking around New York, Brooklyn Kayak Company designs and builds sit-on-top kayaks for anglers and everyday paddlers. The family-owned and operated company started making its own boats after finding that available kayaks lacked standard fishing features while still needing to be stable, durable, and affordable. Its kayaks arrive with practical details such as built-in storage and included seats and paddles, reflecting the founders’ aim to make time on the water easier and more accessible.New York, NY
Savage RiverFor more than 35 years, Savage River has designed and built ultralight racing and wilderness-tripping canoes in the USA, with boats shaped by people who paddle them themselves. Founded by designer and avid whitewater paddler John Diller, the Oakland, Maryland, company builds most watercraft to order using aerospace-inspired composite construction and custom options. Its canoes are paddled by national champions, while models such as the Wee Lassie are made for reaching shallow, winding waterways and carrying easily over portages.OAKLAND, MD
Mathews Brothers LLCSince 1995, family-owned-and-operated Mathews Brothers has been building custom boats in Denton for Chesapeake Bay cruising, from a compact sport boat shaped by an Eastern Shore crabbing skiff to its new 51-foot flagship. Customers are invited into the build, choosing the layout and details while the shop combines traditional methods with modern composite construction. The company also keeps boats in service through repairs, refits, storage and brokerage, including dock-to-dock winter storage at Mathews Landing on the Choptank River.DENTON, MD