About My Boat Building Journey
I got started with wooden boats in Montana thanks to my father and stepfather. My father taught me design, while my stepfather introduced me to all things boats. I began working on the large wooden boats from Glacier National Park. In 1996, we moved the shop to Livingston, MT, and since then, I've been working as both a guide and a professional boat designer in the Paradise Valley. We have two 3500 square foot shops, which house a woodworking shop, a finishing building with a downdraft spray booth, and a CNC machine room.
Boat models
Classic Style
Skiff style
Recurve style
Sailboat
Whether you're interested in a drift boat, bass boat, or a classic wooden skiff, we have a design that fits your needs. Why settle for anything less than a one-of-a-kind boat built with precision and passion? Let me bring your dream boat to life today!
How to Own a Custom-Built Boat
The process of boat building is very simple. As a boat designer, I now build only a few boats each year—typically three or four, depending on the style. I approach every boat as if it were my own, aiming to provide each customer with a boat that exceeds expectations, if not a work of art.
The Boat Building Process
A $1500 deposit gets you the next spot on the waiting list. This deposit is non-refundable because when there’s a waiting list, some customers may choose not to wait. If they back out after I reach their spot, I lose two customers—the one who was on the list and the one waiting. The $1500 goes towards the final cost of the boat.
Half of the total cost of the boat is due when I start building. This helps cover materials like wood, epoxy, and other necessities to begin the build.
A "3/4" payment, which is half of the remaining balance, is made at some point during construction, usually when I reach the halfway point.
A payment for the cover and trailer.
The final payment is due when the boat is completed—not when you pick it up. I will store the boat for as long as needed.
Looking for drift boats for sale or custom builds? Reach out and let me create a boat designed just for you!
My Wooden Boat Plans
Looking to craft your own custom boat? At Cajune Boatbuilding, I offer a variety of detailed, easy-to-follow wooden boat plans designed for different models.
Each plan includes a comprehensive 70-90-page instruction manual with detailed drawings and photos. I’ve formatted all the plans on 8.5" x 11" sheets and will email them to you as PDFs, so you can easily print them out and get started. Whether you’re building a drift boat or a skiff, these plans will guide you every step of the way. Let me help you build your dream boat!
What My Clients Say
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything I do at Cajune Boatbuilding. I take pride in crafting high-quality, custom boats and providing exceptional service throughout the process. But don’t just take my word for it—read what my clients have to say! Their experiences speak to the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion behind every boat we create.
Get in Touch with Me
At Cajune Boatbuilding, we’re always here to assist you with any questions or inquiries. While I may not always be available by phone, I highly encourage you to send an email for the fastest response. Whether you’re interested in custom boat designs, wooden boat plans, or drift boats for sale, I make it a priority to respond quickly and provide the information you need.
Feel free to visit our shop, although please note that the current state of boats and repairs may vary—sometimes we have finished boats ready to view, and other times, you’ll find a stack of materials in progress. I’m also continuously adding photos to the website, so you can see more of what we're working on. Let’s connect today!