WHO ARE WE AND WHY WE DO THIS?
OUR MISSION
We started Sheepscot Boating with a simple mission: to get as many people out on the water as possible—even the folks who think boating is only for salty old pros with a truck, a trailer, and a bottomless bank account.
Here in Maine, we’re spoiled with water. We’ve got over 6,000 lakes and ponds, 34,000 miles of inland rivers, and a longer coastline than California (yes, really—count the bays, peninsulas, and islands). If you live here and don’t have a way to get out there and explore it all, you’re missing a massive chunk of what makes Maine so magical. Frankly, just staring at it from the shore would drive us bananas!
Now, we love a good kayak—many Mainers have one, and for good reason. They’re simple, accessible, and a great way to get out on the water.
My mother, for example, isn’t particularly athletic or outdoorsy, but she fell in love with kayaking the first time she tried it. It quickly became her favorite way to spend a summer afternoon.
But her situation changed. The vehicle she drives now isn’t well-suited for transporting kayaks, and the person who used to help her and her friends with loading and launching no longer lives nearby. As time went on, those small logistical hurdles became real barriers—and like it does for many people, getting on the water became harder.
Her kayaks sat unused for seasons, collecting sun damage and spiderwebs.
Until we discovered inflatable kayaks.
Like many people, we had our doubts at first. We questioned the durability, the performance, and whether they could really hold up to real-world use. But as soon as we received our first samples and got them out on the water, it became clear how much the technology had evolved.
They were portable, practical, and far more stable and forgiving than we expected—qualities that make them feel approachable and easy to use for a wide range of paddlers.
Nequasset Lake in Woolwich, Maine is stunning and full of fish. It is a public water supply so motorboating is restricted. We recommend electric propulsion.
Since our boats can be hand launched and have only inches of draft, you can use them in extremely shallow areas and places without trailer ramps.
That experience reshaped how we think about getting on the water—and it’s a big part of why we built Sheepscot Boating the way we did. As we’ve built out our lineup, we’ve come to appreciate that different types of watercraft serve different purposes.
Our inflatable kayaks are all about mobility and ease of access. They’re lightweight, packable, and simple to transport—perfect for spontaneous paddles, quick evening outings, or exploring places where traditional boats aren’t practical. You can keep one in your trunk and be on the water in minutes.
Our inflatable dinghies serve a different role. While still more portable than traditional hard-hull boats, they are larger, more stable, and better suited for carrying gear, passengers, or handling a wider range of conditions. That stability is especially appreciated when boarding, moving around, or spending extended time on the water.
Inspired by the classic "Zodiac" inflatable boats used for decades in a wide range of practical applications, our designs combine proven concepts with modern materials and construction methods for a boat that is easier to carry, quicker to set up, and well-suited for exploring Maine’s coastal and inland waters. Inflatable boats have a long track record of use in demanding environments, thanks to their stability, durability, and practical design.
They’re a great fit for dockside use, day boating, or as a practical alternative to a traditional small boat—without the storage, trailering, and maintenance demands that usually come with one.
Different tools for different days on the water.
Whether you’re out to fish, film wildlife, haul the kids, or just poke around where the big boats can’t go, you shouldn’t need to buy a new truck, build an extra garage bay, and take out a second mortgage.
You decide the adventure—we’ve got your boat.