Description :

Handcrafted 11-Foot Wooden Kayak by Nor’West Passage – Artisan-Built Tacoma, WA

Description:
A stunning handcrafted wooden kayak made by Nor’West Passage (Wooden Boats) of Tacoma, Washington, led by craftsman Ernie Stephenson. This locally built, artisan-quality kayak measures 11 feet long, 28 inches wide, and 13 inches high, showcasing the timeless beauty and precision of traditional strip-built construction.

Its elegant, tapered lines are crafted from richly grained wood strips in a multi-tone finish that celebrates natural beauty and expert joinery. The cockpit features carefully contoured seating with adjustable foot braces, ensuring both comfort and classic styling.

Ernie Stephenson’s Nor’West Passage workshop was known in the Pacific Northwest for these high-quality, custom-built kayaks—each one unique, reflecting deep local boatbuilding tradition and artistry.

This piece is not only a fully functional kayak for the paddling enthusiast, but also a breathtaking showpiece of maritime craft, perfect for display in a waterfront home, lodge, or nautical collection.

Highlights:

• Dimensions: 11' L x 28" W x 13" H

• Maker: Ernie Stephenson / Nor’West Passage (Wooden Boats), Tacoma, WA

• Strip-built wooden construction with clear finish showcasing natural grain

• Beautifully designed cockpit with supportive seat and foot braces

• Rare, collectible Pacific Northwest artisan boatbuilding

Cultural Significance:
Handmade wooden kayaks embody a vanishing craft tradition, celebrating the union of art, engineering, and regional maritime heritage. Unlike mass-produced kayaks, each of these is one-of-a-kind, made with patience, and skill.

Estimated Value:
Comparable artisan-built wooden kayaks typically command $2,000–$5,000, depending on condition, provenance, and craftsmanship.

Dimensions:
11' L x 28" W x 13" H