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.)
West Side Boat Shop Kayaks 