"To visit Boateak, one can motor, row, sail, or swim, but not drive .
. . The voyage begins on the shore at Clayton. Adventurers in search of the
antiquated and the exotic must travel north-northeast from Cantwell Pier 65 for
two nautical miles. . . Once they have made the voyage, visitors may spend hours
among artifacts from bygone eras and ponder workmanship of about 300 craft
artists from throughout the country who contribute to the treasure chest of
collectibles. . .
"The booty of Bluff Island - navigational instruments dating to the
1720's, scrimshaw carvings . . . classic boat replicas standing five feet high .
. . 'pond models' - model boats several feet high and a century or so old - are
very rare. Christmas ornaments, jellies
and preserves, or kitchen items and other goods."
The Boateak features a wide variety of unusual art and craft products, and
there is a steady stream of new merchandise, so each visit promises to be an
adventure. The store has a 5' x 2' table made from the hatch of a World War
II-era liberty boat, and jewelry and crafts made by sailors whiling away long
hours at sea. Among the favorite items are a number of sailor "folk art"
items passed down through the ages, such as flowers carved from pith and other
forms delicately inserted in uniquely shaped bottles of all sizes, and
yarn-winders made by sailors to replace the need to hold their hands out for
their wives' knitting.
Prices range across the board, from what a casual shopper would consider
bargains, to what serious collectors would consider an exciting find.
The Boateak is located in a renovated boat house that was built on Bluff
Island in 1900 by Col. Kessler. In 1982, a former servants' quarters above the
boathouse was ripped apart by 95 mph winds during a thundrous April storm.  During the rebuilding process Cookie and
Matt discovered that the peaked roof over the boat slips was large enough to
accommodate a studio, presenting an opportunity to combine a love of art with
their love of the 1000 Islands Region. The unique quality of the 1000 Islands
to attract visitors from all over the world provides a marvelous opportunity for
artists and craftsmen to gain wide exposure for their works.
The Boateak has attracted travelers from France, Italy, Germany, Africa, and
throughout the United States and Canada.
The Boateak offers a truly unique shopping experience. You will surely
want to include a visit to this treasure island when you explore the 1000
Islands region on your next vacation.
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