The Enduring Legacy of Pulaski Boat Building

The Rich History of Pulaski Boats

The small town of Pulaski in upstate New York has a long and storied history of boat building. For over 100 years, the Pulaski area has been associated with quality boats that are beloved by fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. In this article, we'll explore the history of Pulaski boats, what makes them so special, and why they have maintained their sterling reputation over the decades.

The Early Days of Boat Building in Pulaski

The village of Pulaski is nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario's Sandy Pond, which provided an ideal location for a burgeoning boat building industry in the early 19th century. Long before outboard motors became popular, Pulaski boats were coveted for their superior rowing abilities using their famous double-ended "double-enders" design. These rowboats were crafted out of the abundant local hardwoods and prized for their durability, charm, and graceful lines.

One of the first commercial boat builders in Pulaski was William Fleetham, who opened a small boat shop in 1835. Fleetham designed and built a 13-foot clinker-built rowboat that he christened the "Pulaski Gig." This shallow, lightweight boat with sweeping ends was a hit with local fishermen and hunters, and soon orders were flooding in from around the Great Lakes region. The Pulaski Gig established the town as a center of quality boat craftsmanship that endures to this day.

The Rise of Recreational Boating in the 1900s

By the early 20th century, gasoline engines were becoming smaller and more affordable. This allowed manufacturers to attach outboard motors to small wooden boats, opening up recreational boating to middle-class Americans. Boat builders in Pulaski pivoted to this new market while maintaining their focus on handcrafted craftsmanship and design.

One of the most prominent boat builders during this era was the W.H. Mullins Company, which started constructing boats in Pulaski in 1912. They developed a versatile 14-foot mahogany runabout called the Black Duck that could handle motors up to 5 horsepower. With its trademark box shape and rugged construction, the Black Duck epitomized the Pulaski tradition of pretty yet practical boats.

The 1930s through the 1950s were the golden age for Pulaski boat builders, as demand skyrocketed for recreational fishing and pleasure craft. Companies like Brown Boat Works, Pine Tree Boat Works, and Chestnut Canoe Company joined W.H. Mullins in producing a range of lapstrake and canvas-covered boats that would be cherished for generations. The Pine Tree 14-foot Kit Boat epitomized the Pulaski reputation for stability, reliability, and graceful lines at a reasonable cost.

Pulaski Fiberglass Boats Make a Splash

In the late 1950s, the boat building industry was transformed by the advent of fiberglass. Lightweight and durable, these shiny new boats were less expensive and required less maintenance than traditional wooden hulls. Several Pulaski companies made an early successful transition to fiberglass, staying on the cutting edge while retaining their small-town focus on quality and craftsmanship.

Ontario Boats was one of the first manufacturers to build an all-fiberglass boat in Pulaski in 1957. Their Ontario 22 stern drive runabout was sleek, fast, and stylish, appealing to the new generation of casual pleasure boaters. The company continued building classic fiberglass boats into the 21st century before finally closing its doors.

Meanwhile, Chestnut Canoe partnered with the Kennebec Boat Company to build innovative molding systems to construct their legendary Old Town canoes using state-of-the-art materials. They also manufactured the Pulaski Kit Boat in a durable fiberglass version that retained its classic lines and continued its remarkable 60-year run until the company ceased operations in the 1990s.

Continuing the Tradition into the Modern Era

Today, Pulaski retains its reputation as a hub of American boat building tradition. While the industry has consolidated over the decades, several stalwart companies still design and build boats in Pulaski that uphold the town's legacy of craftsmanship.

One of the most prominent modern boat makers in Pulaski is Starcraft Marine, which moved manufacturing to Pulaski in the 1960s and still constructs aluminum fishing boats along with its other models. Right across the river, Smokercraft produces a wide range of fishing and pleasure boats at its Pulaski headquarters. These industry leaders ensure that Pulaski remains synonymous with American-made boat craftsmanship.

For over 180 years, the boat builders of Pulaski have prided themselves on creating boats known for their utility, durability, and timeless beauty. Their creations have enabled generations of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the splendors of locations like Sandy Pond, the Great Lakes, and waterways across America. With a rich past and a bright future, Pulaski continues its legacy as one of America's iconic boat building hubs.

Experience Pulaski Boats Firsthand on Sandy Pond

One of the best places to admire Pulaski boats in their natural habitat is on the serene waters of Sandy Pond just north of the village. This 1,600-acre lake has been a playground for Pulaski boaters for over a century, so it's no surprise that visitors still flock here to experience the area's maritime heritage.

Fishing and Recreation on Sandy Pond

With an average depth of just 8 feet and a mostly sandy bottom, Sandy Pond is ideal for boating and fishing. Species like walleye, perch, crappie, and bullhead attract anglers from across the region. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation stocks the lake every year with thousands of walleye fingerlings and over 40,000 Chinook salmon smolts.

The calm, protected waters also make Sandy Pond a popular destination for paddlers in canoes and kayaks. Several marinas around the lake rent boats and provide access to launch your own. On a nice summer day, you're likely to see sailboats skimming over the water alongside pontoon boats and fishing skiffs.

The Annual Sandy Pond Regatta

One of the best times to visit Sandy Pond is during the annual Regatta festival on the third weekend in July. Established in 1988, this popular event celebrates the Pulaski boat building heritage and brings in visitors and vendors from all over the region.

The highlight of the Regatta is the antique boat parade on Sunday. Owners show off beautifully restored wooden Pulaski boats as well as fiberglass classics from the 1950s and 60s. Seeing these elegant watercraft cruising together across the sparkling waters of Sandy Pond is an opportunity to witness living history.

In addition to the boat parade, the Regatta features a craft fair, food vendors, live music, fireworks, and children's activities. If you appreciate maritime culture and Americana, the Sandy Pond Regatta offers an unforgettable experience and glimpse into the Pulaski boat building tradition.

Boat Launches and Marinas on Sandy Pond

The ideal way to fully experience Sandy Pond is from the captain's seat of your own Pulaski boat. There are several public boat launches around the lake that provide access for trailered boats. On the south end, you can launch from the Sandy Pond public beach and Deer River Flow.

For boat rentals and slips, check out the full-service Van Wormer's Sandy Pond Marina on the northwest shore. They rent pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and fishing boats and have a well-stocked ship store. Across the lake, the Sandy Pond Marina is another excellent option for transient slips and boat rentals.

If you visit outside of boating season and want to experience Pulaski maritime heritage, check out the on-site Boat Museum at Van Wormer's. It houses historic fishing boats, outboard motors, and other artifacts documenting centuries of local boat building history.

The Future Looks Bright for Pulaski Boats

After over a century of boat building excellence, the future prospects remain strong for Pulaski to maintain its status as a hub of American boating craftsmanship. Both large corporations and smaller custom shops are investing in the area and introducing innovative manufacturing techniques while retaining ties to tradition.

Starcraft Marine Investments

Starcraft Marine, which has produced aluminum fishing boats in Pulaski since the 1960s, continues to expand its operations in the town. In 2013, parent company Smoker Craft announced large capital investments to upgrade machinery and equipment at the Pulaski facility.

Smoker Craft CEO Bill Drane highlighted Pulaski's long tradition of boat building skill and expertise as one of the reasons behind investing in the local plant. The upgrades have made the Pulaski factory Smoker Craft's most advanced manufacturing operation, ensuring another 50 years of boat production.

Smaller Companies Uphold Tradition

In addition to the large fishing boat manufacturers, Pulaski retains several smaller custom boat builders that specialize in wooden boats or smaller craft. This includes traditional wooden boat restoration companies like Goodsell Boats on Sandy Pond, which keeps the town's centuries-old boat building skills alive.

Newer companies like Winters Boat Works utilize computer-assisted design and cutting tools yet retain a hand-crafted approach. Owner Steve Winters notes, "There's something about quality materials and old-school craftsmanship that still resonates with people." These smaller businesses ensure the continuity of the Pulaski boat building tradition even as technology and materials evolve.

A Trail Town Along the Erie Canal

Pulaski's location along the Erie Canal Trail helps attract boaters and tourists interested in heritage tourism. The town has been designated as an Erie Canal "trail town" along the waterway that connects the Great Lakes with the Hudson River. Visitors can experience Pulaski's maritime past while enjoying restaurants, shops, and museums.

The Pulaski area embraces its boat building identity. In addition to the Sandy Pond Regatta, the community hosts events like the Salmon River Fine Arts Show and Boat Show to celebrate these traditions. The skilled craftspeople carrying on the Pulaski boat building legacy ensure this iconic piece of Americana perseveres.

So if you appreciate history and quality boats, plan a trip to explore the rich maritime heritage of Pulaski, NY. Meander through the historic boat district, chat with craftsmen, and experience the grace and beauty of these classic boats on the welcoming waters of Sandy Pond.

FAQs

What types of boats were originally built in Pulaski?

The early Pulaski boats were wooden double-ended rowboats known as "gigs." These were ideal for fishing and hunting in shallow waters. By the early 1900s, Pulaski manufacturers began building wooden boats with outboard motors for recreational boating.

When did boat builders start using fiberglass?

In the late 1950s, manufacturers in Pulaski began transitioning from wood to fiberglass for boat hulls. This allowed them to produce boats that were lighter, faster, and less expensive than traditional wooden boats.

Who are some of the most famous Pulaski boat companies?

Some of the most prominent boat builders that operated in Pulaski over the decades include W.H. Mullins, Pine Tree Boat Works, Ontario Boats, Chestnut Canoe, and Starcraft Marine.

Where can you see Pulaski boats on display?

The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY has a large collection of classic wooden Pulaski boats. You can also see restored Pulaski boats at the annual Sandy Pond Regatta held near Pulaski in July.

Is Pulaski still an active boat building town?

Yes, Pulaski continues to manufacture boats today at factories like Starcraft Marine. The town also has several small custom boat shops keeping wooden boat building skills alive.