Founded in 2008 by downtown rowers, Village Community Boathouse builds and maintains traditional wooden boats while offering free community and youth rowing on New York Harbor. Its volunteer-run Pier 40 shop has produced much of a fleet of more than 30 handcrafted vessels, including the Whitehall gigs used for regular public rows. The donation-supported nonprofit also teaches boatbuilding and hosts an annual Row Around Manhattan voyage.
Reuben Smith’s Tumblehome BoatshopReuben Smith’s Tumblehome Boatshop restores historic and classic wooden boats and builds fully custom new ones in the Southern Adirondacks. Founded by Smith in 1997 and reestablished in its current location in 2012, the shop grew from a boatbuilding family tradition into a team working from a 6,000-square-foot facility across from the Hudson River. Clients are invited to follow their projects in person, while the shop’s True Process aims to return each restored boat to its original shape, character, and feel.WARRENSBURG, NY
Steiger CraftSteiger Craft has been hand-building boats since 1972, operating from the former wholesale bakery founded by Alan Steiger’s grandfather. Based on Long Island, the company builds pilothouse and center-console boats for anglers who need protection and a stable platform in rough water.BELLPORT, NY
StealthRowingStealthRowing develops specialized rowing shells to provide year-round balance and synchronization training and expands the sport of rowing to at-risk, inner-city youth.PHILADELPHIA, PA
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