Traditional Umiaks were paddle craft, while this one is built for sail and oar.
A sturdy and rugged sprit rig supplement the real power of this slender boat: Oars. With a narrow beam and long waterline the DK Umiak is made for rowing.
And rowed it has. Since launching almost 10 years ago, Blue Moon has traveled hundreds of miles, from the San Juan Islands to Queen Charlotte Strait.
This unique boat, a close relative to the Baidarka, is constructed without metal fasteners. In the original fashion of the Inuit the parts are all held together with twine lashings and hardwood pegs, allowing flex and give. It is believed that the lack of rigidity adds to the life of a hard working Umiak. In the case of Blue Moon we must agree.
The framework is steam bent Yellow Cedar with Douglas Fir longitudinal stringers. Over this strong, yet simple web is laid 10 oz ballistic nylon cloth, which is then heat shrunk in place and coated in 2 part polyurethane dope. Obviously we strayed a bit from original practices in the last couple of steps!
The seemingly fragile skin is considered by many to be totally inadequate for serious use. Again let us dispel myth and replace it with fact: After literally hundreds of overnight stays on rocky beaches, dragging the heavily laden Umiak through the gravel to above the highwater mark, there are no puncture damage to the skin, and very little abrasion. In ten years the polyurethane has yet to be recoated.
Two rowing stations with thole pins takes 9' oars.
If your adventure plans include tradition and rugged seaworthiness, consider an Umiak for the next expedition.