Ever since WoodenBoat Magazine featured the Mill Creek 13 in a two-issue spread in 1997, the Mill Creek models have been built in the thousands. And why not? They look good, they're easy to build, and even though they are more stable than most kayaks, the Mill Creeks™ offer good speed and handling that you'll never get tired of.

The Mill Creek was designed as a wider, shorter, and more stable alternative to the typical sea kayak. It offers the stability sought by nature photographers, fly fishermen, and birders. The most versatile paddling designs in our lineup, the Mill Creeks are true high-performance boats. That is, if high performance is defined as comfort, good handling, rewarding speed, stability, and classic good looks. Originally drawn as stable and compact complements to our more traditional sea kayaks, the Mill Creeks™ have found fans among paddlers of all skill levels because they offer so much boat in such a light and easy-to-manage package.

Mahogany trim on cockpits and rails, cambered decks, and contoured slatted seats add grace notes, while the fiberglassed 6mm bottom panel will absorb years of groundings in shoal water.

The Mill Creek 13 echoes the feel of 1920's "double paddle" canoes. Combining the stability and comfortable seating of a canoe with the light weight and decked-in security of a kayak, the Mill Creek 13 is perfect for photography, fly fishing, birding, or just relaxed paddling. Like all the Mill Creeks, the 13 is surprisingly fast thanks to her efficient 5-panel multichine hull and feather-light 40lb weight. The cockpit is 54" long, so entry and egress are easy for everyone.

Do you fit in this kayak?  Study our kayak fit chart. 

See Assembling a Mill Creek for a series of images showing how to build a Mill Creek.

Build this boat if:

• You are fishing, birding, or taking photos from a kayak
• You want stability without giving up speed
• You are drawn to classic double-paddle canoes

Builders also looked at:

Wood Duck 12 | 14 Foot Great Auk