Bateau Company

About Bateau Co.

The bateau (French for “boat”) is a flat-bottomed, double-ended wooden craft, typically 15–30 feet long and about 4 feet wide, introduced to North America by French trappers and explorers in the early 1600s.

Its shallow draft and versatile design made it ideal for navigating Maine’s rocky rivers during the 19th- and 20th-century log drives, where river drivers (often of French-Canadian descent) used poles and peaveys from bateau to break up log jams on rivers like the Penobscot and Kennebec.

Maine’s French-Canadian heritage is deeply rooted in the woods and waters of our state. At Bateau Company we take pride in our heritage. We are a small, hands-on manufacturing business based in Maine, specializing in premium accessories, repairs, and modifications for traditional Maine freighter canoes. We design, test in-house, and produce rugged, purpose-built gear that enhances the experience of paddling, fishing, and exploring Maine’s waterways. Every product is made with the same attention to detail and durability that defines the iconic freighter canoes used by generations of outdoorsmen.

Our Story & Founder

Bateau Company was founded by Levi Guimond, a lifelong Mainer with deep roots in engineering, aviation, and the outdoors. Raised in the Lincoln, Maine area, Levi developed a passion for mechanical design and hands-on fabrication early on. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Maine and went on to serve as Vice President of Operations and lead engineer at PK Floats, Inc., a renowned Lincoln-based manufacturer of high-quality seaplane floats with a 70+ year legacy of hand-built aluminum craftsmanship.

Levi’s passion for Bateau Company reflects his ongoing commitment to Maine’s outdoor heritage. Drawing on his engineering expertise and practical experience on the water, he identified a need for better, more reliable accessories specifically for traditional freighter canoes. Products are born “out of necessity”—designed, tested, and refined right here in Maine for real-world use in rivers, lakes, and remote areas.

What Sets Us Apart

Handcrafted in Maine, USA: Small-batch production ensures quality and attention to every detail.

Purpose-Driven Design: Gear that solves real problems for paddlers, anglers, and guides—whether it’s secure rod holders, fender clips, or custom mods and repairs.

Durability You Can Count On: Built to withstand the rugged conditions of Maine’s wilderness, just like the canoes they equip.

Community & Tradition: We honor the heritage of Maine freighter canoes while innovating for today’s users.

At Bateau Company, we’re more than just a business—we’re outdoors enthusiasts creating tools that help people connect with Maine’s natural beauty safely and enjoyably. Whether you’re a seasoned guide, weekend paddler, or someone restoring a classic canoe, our products are made to perform and last.

Thank you for supporting small, Maine-made manufacturing. We look forward to outfitting your next adventure on the water.— Levi Guimond, Founder