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Captain Heritage

KIS 4.0 13ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

KIS 4.0 13ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Regular price $16,252.00 USD
Regular price $16,252.00 USD Sale price $16,252.00 USD
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The KIS 4.0 is a compact 13-foot wooden dinghy designed for versatility, ease of handling, and efficient performance in sheltered waters. With a length overall of 4.04 meters and a generous 1.54-meter beam, the KIS 4.0 offers a stable and confidence-inspiring platform suitable for recreational boating, training, or tender use. Its balanced proportions allow for comfortable onboard movement while maintaining smooth tracking and responsive maneuverability. Our workshop faithfully recreates this versatile design using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and marine plywood reinforced with U.S.-made fiberglass cloth, sealed with marine-grade epoxy and finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each vessel is handcrafted using a traditional plank-on-frame or stitch-and-glue construction method, depending on configuration, ensuring a strong yet lightweight hull. Typical build time ranges from 3-4 months depending on finish and outfitting selections. . Clients may customize wood finishes, seating configuration, interior layout, hardware fittings, and protective coatings-creating a personalized vessel tailored to recreational cruising, training programs, or light utility purposes. General Specifications: - Length Overall (LOA): 4.04 m (13 ft) - Beam: 1.54 m - Displacement (Hull Weight): Approximately 90 kg Performance & Use: The KIS 4.0 is suited for lakes, rivers, and protected coastal waters. Its moderate beam provides excellent initial stability, making it ideal for beginners and family outings. Lightweight yet solid in construction, it delivers smooth handling under various propulsion options depending on configuration. Combining reliability with classic wooden aesthetics, the KIS 4.0 serves as a versatile small craft for leisure and training alike. This wooden boat crafted by us is built from woodenboat.com plans with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the vessel to order-offering both full-size boats and finely detailed scale models. Disclaimer: KIS 4.0 13ft is a design by Paolo Lodigiani and Matteo Costa. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Paolo Lodigiani or Matteo Costa in any way. Contact us today! The KIS 4.0 was developed as part of a modern movement toward compact, practical dinghies that combine traditional wooden aesthetics with contemporary construction efficiency. Emerging in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, this design reflects the growing demand for small recreational boats that are lightweight, easy to transport, and suitable for family use in sheltered waters. The name "KIS" is often associated with the "Keep It Simple" philosophy in boat design-prioritizing straightforward construction, structural reliability, and user-friendly handling. The 4.0-meter platform was conceived to provide a balanced hull form with generous beam for stability, while keeping displacement moderate at approximately 90 kg for ease of launching and storage. Its proportions align with the broader trend of versatile dinghies that can serve as tenders, training boats, or recreational craft. Over time, the KIS 4.0 has become appreciated among amateur builders and small-boat enthusiasts for its manageable size and adaptability. It stands as a representative of modern wooden dinghy design-bridging traditional craftsmanship with practical, everyday boating needs.
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special? 

Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.

- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more. 

- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories. 

- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.

 

About Woodenboat USA™

The story of time-honored traditions of boat building. 

More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.

Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.

Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.

FAQ's

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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?

Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.

You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?

We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.

What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?

A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.

What type of boats do you build?

Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.

What methods do you use to build the boats?

Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.

How do I order?

Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.

How long does an order take?

Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.

How do you ship it?

We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.

How do I become a distributor of your products?

We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.

What kind of warranty can I expect?

For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.

Guidelines for use

CARE:

With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.

  • It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
  • Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.

STORAGE:

Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.

  • Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
  • Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
  • Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.

REPAIR:

Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.

SAFETY:

Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.

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