West Side Boat Shop Kayaks

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West Side Boat Shop – legacy site

Welcome to West Side Boat Shop. The business was purchased from Doug Bushnell in the summer of 2021 and re-launched in November, 2021 over at DaveTheKayaker.com.

There has never been a better time to buy a West Side Boat Shop kayak. We offer Doug Bushnell’s original designs for racing and performance kayaks.

Race-proven and still winning races in 2024!
Timeless, performance designs
Top quality, Built to last a lifetime
Always American-designed and American-built

The West Side Boat Shop Thunderbolt-X kayak right at home playing in a small eddy

~~We are open for business and taking orders!~~

We are no longer accepting orders.
February 2025 West Side Boat Shop Update:

As of October 20, 2024, we are no longer accepting new boat orders. Our exclusive boat builder, Joey Schott at Turning Point Boatworks, is winding down his business, thus leaving us without a manufacturing partner. If you are a boat builder and have an interest in building West Side Boat Shop kayaks, please reach out and let me know.

Check out these wonderful performance kayaks at their current home:
https://davethekayaker.com/west-side-boat-shop-kayaks

And here is an archived copy of the 2013 West Side Boat Shop catalog (the last known catalog, published all the way through 2020) in case you are researching an old West Side Boat Shop kayak:

wsbscatalog_2013_archive Download

The Internet’s first Doug Bushnell of West Side Boat Shop interview

West Side Boat Shop kayaks, The Tradition Continues. And, yes, there is a West Side Boat Shop kayaks playlist on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBq0O_tUnHs&list=PLbcPfBsEv9WU1Ap5txIFya5n1jgI_5FCK

Looking for the fastest kayak? Check out the West Side Boat Shop Marauder kayak

John Allen, The man who kept West Side Boat Shop alive

West Side Boat Shop Marauder kayak – the fastest kayak

2024 Paddle Round The Island race with my original Thunderbolt-X Kayak

DISCLAIMER
The information contained within this online catalog and the functions offered are intended to provide information about products available for purchase from West Side Boat Shop Kayaks and Dave The Kayaker LLC.

All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, Dave The Kayaker LLC cannot be held responsible for any errors or unexpected inability to fulfill waitlist or pre-orders. Dave The Kayaker LLC does not warrant the accuracy and reserves the right to make changes to the catalog and its functions
at any time without notice.

Except where otherwise noted or superseded by process of law, Dave The Kayaker LLC accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses or damages of any kind arising out of the use of this online catalog or any of its related functions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE
This online catalog is offered on the basis of the terms and conditions stated herein. Use of this online catalog confirms the user’s acceptance of these same terms and conditions. Such acceptance allows full access to view the catalog and utilize its functions.

CONSENT:
By purchasing a West Side Boat Shop kayak from Dave the Kayaker LLC I acknowledge kayaking is a rigorous and dangerous activity that may be stressful and may aggravate existing physical and mental conditions or cause new ones. Kayaking can be dangerous and the dangers may include damage to or destruction of personal property, serious physical injury or even death. By purchasing a West Side Boat Shop kayak I understand and expressly assume all the dangers incident to participation in kayaking.

The last West Side Boat Shop Kayak | EFT Sleek 2025

A final West Side Boat Shop update

A little update about West Side Boat Shop kayaks and some kayak racing tips while hiking Walnut Creek Park Charlottesville/North Garden, VA

West Side Boat Shop News

West Side Boat Shop Kayaks Thigh Straps

FINALLY back in stock. Brand new. Contact me for pricing and shipping information.

And that brand new, never paddled Delta is still available.

West Side Boat Shop Q&A 2023

Q: “Is West Side Boat Shop still in business? Google tells me they are permanently closed.“

A: All the assets of West Side Boat Shop (WSBS) were purchased by Dave The Kayaker LLC in July of 2021 via an Asset Purchase Agreement which included all boat designs and molds, plugs, domain name(s,) brand and trade names, physical assets, remaining physical inventory and marketing materials/copyrights to written materials and photographs under confidential terms. The business subsequently re-launched in November, 2021 after Doug Bushnell had retired from the business 2 years prior. The kayaks are now built in Central, VA USA. Hence, West Side Boat Shop no longer exists in Lockport, NY (as listed on Google,) but has relocated to Charlottesville, VA. All the original Doug Bushnell designs are still the boats being produced today.

Our chosen manufacturing partner is Turning Point Boatworks (TPBW) in neighboring Richmond, VA and TPBW were carefully selected based on their vast experience and expertise in building high-end, composite, performance kayaks. In short, they were the only manufacturer we trusted to deliver the quality of craftsmanship and durability you expect from a West Side Boat Shop kayak. We fully vetted TPBW before we bought the West Side Boat Shop assets from Doug Bushnell because it only made sense to buy WSBS if TPBW was onboard as our exclusive manufacturing partner.

It has since proven to be a match made in Heaven.

Dave The Kayaker happens to be a huge Fan Boy of WSBS and Doug Bushnell, and Dave and Doug still talk at least every 6 weeks to help transfer the historic knowledge & trade secrets of the business to ensure its future and solidify the legacy of these wonderful kayaks.

Q: “Where can I find currently-available models of West Side Boat Shop kayaks?”

A: A current catalog of West Side Boat Shop kayaks may be found at: www.DaveTheKayaker.com.

_{West Side Boat Shop kayak catalog}

Q: “How may I try a West Side Boat Shop kayak?”

A: Test paddles of selected makes and models of kayaks are possible if arranged in advance through Dave The Kayaker (www.DaveTheKayaker.com) located in Charlottesville, VA. 804-608-9727.

Q: “What makes West Side Boat Shop kayaks so special?”

A: Doug Bushnell designed and built some of the lightest, fastest racing kayaks and these designs are still highly competitive today. For those looking for a decked kayak that offers greater protection in bright sun in the summer and a warmer, drier ride during the winter, these boats still hit a sweet spot in the competitive paddling market. They are built to last at least a lifetime and are still some of the fastest kayaks ever built. They have always been made in America and they support jobs right here in the USA.

Q: “How do I buy a West Side Boat Shop kayak?”

A: Contact Dave The Kayaker to discuss your new boat and desired options. From there a 50% deposit is required to start building your new, hand-crafted kayak. Then the balance is due upon picking up your kayak. Kayaks can typically be built within 5-7 weeks (depending upon current manufacturing backlog.)