The Art of the Custom Canoe
Continued from page 19
the feathers of a bird. "Whale tail" cutouts at each end made from Black Walnut will complement the effect. Preszler plans to hand-carve the top railings of this canoe to resemble thick braided marine ropes, add touches of bronze trim, and incorporate seats made from Argentinian leather.
So, who buys a $100,000 custom-made canoe? Preszler's clients are primarily art collectors, boat collectors and nautical enthusiasts. "It's a niche market," he says, "but there is out there a deep desire for the authentic, the unique, the enduring. For certain buyers, these canoes are emblems of self-sufficiency, exploration, solitude, and freedom itself." IW
By day, Trent Preszler is CEO of Bedell Cellars, a winery in Cutchogue, New York, on Long Island. He has an M.S. in agricultural economics and a Ph.D. in horticulture, both from Cornell University. In his free time, he can usually be found at his woodshop in the nearby hamlet of Mattituck.
Frequently asked questions
Who buys a $100,000 custom-made canoe?+
Trent Preszler's clients are primarily art collectors, boat collectors, and nautical enthusiasts. For these buyers, the canoes serve as emblems of self-sufficiency, exploration, solitude, and freedom.
What materials does Trent Preszler use in his custom canoes?+
Preszler uses Black Walnut for design elements such as 'whale tail' cutouts, hand-carved top railings meant to resemble thick braided marine ropes, bronze trim accents, and seats made from Argentinian leather.
What decorative features distinguish Preszler's custom canoes?+
His canoes feature design elements inspired by the feathers of a bird, Black Walnut 'whale tail' cutouts at each end, hand-carved railings resembling braided marine ropes, bronze trim touches, and Argentinian leather seats.
Who is Trent Preszler?+
Trent Preszler is the CEO of Bedell Cellars, a winery in Cutchogue, New York, on Long Island. He holds an M.S. in agricultural economics and a Ph.D. in horticulture from Cornell University, and builds custom canoes in his free time.
Where is Trent Preszler's woodshop located?+
His woodshop is located in the hamlet of Mattituck on Long Island, near Bedell Cellars winery in Cutchogue, New York.
Why do people pay so much for a custom canoe?+
According to Preszler, there is a deep desire among certain buyers for the authentic, the unique, and the enduring. The canoes represent values like self-sufficiency, exploration, solitude, and freedom.