Model: Length: Hull Weight: Beam: Max Payload: Cockpit Size: Paddler Weight:
microBootlegger 17' 6" 42 lbs. 27 in. 450 lbs. 80" x 21" 175 - 330 lbs.
microBootlegger Configurations:
» (click here to learn about kit options)
Standard Configurations:
Complete Kit - Tandem microBootlegger
view contents
$2349
$2114
Alternative Configurations:

Wood Parts Only Kit
view contents

$1749
$1574

Forms & Strongback Only Kit
view contents

$415
$394

Tandem microBootlegger Forms Only Kit
view contents

$280
$266

Tandem microBootlegger Full-sized Plans
view contents

$129
$116
Additional Components:

Retractable Skeg Kit for Solo microBootlegger
view contents

$195
$185.25

Bulkheads
view contents

$75
$71.25

Invisible Hatch Hold-Down Kit
view contents

$24.95
$23.70
Materials List for Plans Builders:
» view the microBootlegger materials list and order a la carte!
Popular Accessories:
» view other items you may need
Supplies List for Kit Builders:
» view other items you may need

view Kayak Comparison Chart

In 1924, George Crouch designed a ground-breaking speedboat named "Baby Bootlegger." Baby Bootlegger was an innovation in its time, introducing the “rolled sheer” where the deck blends smoothly into the side. With the long stream-lined stern, it was the prototype of the mahogany runabouts that became popular in the 1920's. While this may be an unexpected starting point for a kayak, the graceful, efficient shape struck Nick's fancy.

In the 1880's J. Henry Rushton was at the forefront of an explosion in the popularity of canoeing. His canoes were not what we currently think of as a "canoe," instead, they were generally a boat where the paddler sat down in the bottom of the boat and used a paddle with blades at both ends. Often his boats had long decks with a cockpit where the paddler sat. In other words, what most people might think of as a kayak, are typically called "double paddle canoes.".

Taking the idea of a Rushton-style double paddle canoe and the great looking shape of the the Baby Bootlegger, I developed the Bootlegger (micro Bootlegger) as a roomy, efficient tandem kayak for cruising a lake or exploring a bay. While more sedate than her namesake, she moves easily through the water and, should a gale blow in, will handle rough water with aplomb.

Drawn up with a long cockpit big enough for two, it may also be paddled solo. For the more adventurous, it could also be rigged up with a rudder, lee boards, or a small sail much like the Rushton canoes were.

There is also a Solo MicroBootlegger to accommodate a single paddler. With its 14' length 26" beam, and at 33 lbs, the Solo offers more speed than the typical recreational kayak.

And finally, there is an even more sporty version. Check out the MicroBootlegger Sport, which is 15'6" in length and 22" beam. 

Solo microBootlegger Recreational Kayak