FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
Main Boatshop
The main boat shop is located at 90 Arthur St., Buffalo, NY 14207. Here you will find our community and student boatbuilding, the Buffalo Maritime Museum, classroom, model boatshop, maritime library, foundry, and the Niagara Frontier Antique and Classic Boats.
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief is a functioning canal boat and museum exhibit that travels to various locations throughout the year. From May to September, you can find the boat located in the Commercial Slip at Canalside, in Buffalo, NY.
In September, 2025 the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will travel across New York State and stop at 28 villages, towns, and cities along the way to provide educational programming and an opportunity for communities to share their own Erie Canal story.
Click here to read more about the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief.
Hoyt Lake Rowboats
Hoyt Lake Boat Rentals are located at 199 Lincoln Pkwy., Buffalo, NY 14222. Rentals are available from June through September.
Click here to rent a rowboat or flamingo!
When can I visit to see your boats and exhibits?
Visitors are welcome to visit our main facility and our canoe exhibit - Water & Wood: Canoes in New York State Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. You can also schedule a tour of the exhibits and our boat shops with our Exhibits and Collection Manager, Eddie Knibloe at edward@buffalomaritimecenter.org.
During the winter, you can see the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief above the Flight of Five Locks in Lockport, NY. There are no tours of the boat, however when the boat is returned in May, visitors are welcome to visit the boat in the Commercial Slip and talk to our public greeters Tuesday-Sunday from 11am-5pm. For more information about visiting the boat, contact chelsea@buffalomaritimecenter.org.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities typically include becoming a crew member on a community boatbuilding project, facilities maintenance, and mentoring in our student boatbuilding programs.
Click here to volunteer!
What is your plan for the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief?
The Erie Canal Boat operates as a functional canal boat and an educational exhibit. We welcome the public to visit the boat at Canalside during our open hours of Tuesday-Sunday 11-7pm. Open hours may vary based on the operations of the boat.
In September of 2025, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be traveling across the state on the Erie Canal and Hudson River to commemorate the bicentennial of the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825. It will be stopping in 28 towns along the way for programming.
For more information, visit the Seneca Chief page.
What boats have been built by the Buffalo Maritime Center?
The Buffalo Maritime Center community of boat builders builds wooden boats of all different sizes including replicas or restorations of historic wooden boats with particular significance to Western New York, Southern Ontario, and the Great Lakes.
Click here to see some of our past projects and boats in our active fleet.
Our students have built the St. Ayles Skiffs, Olmsted Skiffs (the rowboats at Hoyt Lake), Prospector Ranger Strip Canoes, Six-Hour Canoes, and have shaped Basswood Canoe Paddles.
Click here to learn more about our student programs.
Can I go sailing with the BMC?
Yes, we have several opportunities to get out on the water.
Wednesday Night Sails
We sail our historic vessels out of the Commercial Slip at Canalside on Wednesday nights. PLEASE NOTE: BMC boats are docked near the bike ferry. We are not affiliated with the Spirit of Buffalo.
Click here to reserve your spot in a sailboat.
Tuesday Paddles
We also have free public paddling programs on Tuesday nights. The launch locations change each week based on weather and conditions. We have a fleet of canoes that the public can use for free with a reservation, as well as free life jackets. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Click here to reserve your spot in a canoe.
Hoyt Lake Boat Rentals
You can also rent rowboats and Floatmingos at Hoyt Lake.
Click here to reserve your spot in a rowboat.
Can I build a boat at the BMC?
There are a number of community boatbuilding projects you can volunteer with to learn more about boatbuilding and woodworking. We also rent space to BMC members who want to work on personal projects.
If you would like to volunteer, contact Chelsea Moore at chelsea@buffalomaritimecenter.org.
If you would like to rent space, contact Eddie Knibloe at edward@buffalomaritimecener.org.
How do I become a member of the BMC?
Join the team! We have three levels of membership that provide a variety of benefits.
Click here to learn about membership levels, benefits, and to apply.
Can I borrow books from the BMC Library?
BMC members can borrow books from the library for a period of 3 weeks at a time. Non-members can browse our library and archives in person during open hours.
Click here to apply for membership.
Can I purchase materials from you?
Unfortunately, we no longer sell boatbuilding materials. We recommend contacting West Marine, Noah's Marine Supplies in Toronto, or Boulter Plywood in Massachusetts.
Can you fix my boat?
We currently do not take on boatbuilding work for hire. However, you can learn more about your boat and what a repair might require from the BMC library and boatbuilders. As a BMC member, you can rent space in the shop to repair your own boat. We would be happy to give advice if you stop by the shop during our open hours of M-F, 9-5pm.
Click here to apply for membership.
Can I bring my child to a class at the BMC?
Yes, please check our Events Page to stay up to date on public programs that are available for you and your family to participate in. We have knot-tying, paddle shaping, half-model classes and more.
If you have a group of students interested in a program at the BMC, contact chelsea@buffalomaritimecenter.org .