Heritage Artistry Performance

Blackbird Boats: Moving Sculptures

Blackbird Boats reimagines boat building as a form of fine art, crafting moving sculptures that unite beauty, function, and individuality. As artists and master boat builders, each vessel is our unique interpretation of what a boat can be—combining thousands of hours of artistry with a modern approach to classic wooden boats, from innovative materials to cutting-edge technology. We’re driven to share our passion and bring these timeless yet contemporary masterpieces to more waters and more people.

The Blackbird Story

The Beginning:
Crafting a Legacy (1998–2020) Muskoka, Canada

In 1998, founder Paul Hunter reimagined the classic wooden runabout for the modern era.
Combining traditional mahogany craftsmanship with innovative engineering, Paul created vessels admired for their elegance, performance, and customization.
His vision built more than boats – it built a legacy. 
Though retired since 2020, Paul continues to serve as a trusted advisor, guiding the spirit of craftsmanship that defines Blackbird Boats.

The Present:
Artistry on Water

Today, Blackbird Boats continues to redefine what a vessel can be, fine art in motion.
Each boat is a unique, handcrafted masterpiece, uniting beauty, function, and individuality.
With cutting-edge technology and a worldwide presence, Blackbird stays true to its roots – preserving the charm and grandeur of vintage wood boats.
The operations team now includes Jesse Clark, Partner and Head of Client Engagement, whose artistry and client focus help bring each owner’s vision to life.
Together, they’re not just building boats, they’re crafting dreams and unique treasures on water, revitalizing Blackbird at the same time.

The New Chapter:
Reimagining the Brand

In 2020, Ellis and Cher Knightingale took the helm of Blackbird Boats, ushering in a bold new era.
With fresh advisors, investors, and partners, they rebranded the company, creating a refined identity and digital presence that reflected Blackbird’s craftsmanship and innovation.
Their vision positioned Blackbird for its next chapter of growth, keeping the artistry of fine wooden boats alive – now with a modern edge.

Meet the Team

  • Ellis Knightingale

    Partner⎮Managing Director

    Ellis has been passionate about boats since his days in Sea Cadets at 14, blending a lifelong love of carpentry, fine art, and design. At Blackbird Boats, he creates vessels as timeless works of art. With more than 30 years as an entrepreneur, Ellis also brings seasoned business leadership to every project. Since taking the helm of Blackbird in 2020 alongside Cher, he has helped steer its growth with new advisors, investors, and partners.

  • Cher Knightingale

    Partner ⎮Creative Director

    From childhood, Cher was captivated by the water and the stories it inspires. With a background in fine art and design, she brings a storyteller’s vision to Blackbird Boats, shaping vessels defined by elegance, emotion, and craftsmanship. She combines this creative vision with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. Cher led the company’s rebranding in 2020, creating a fresh identity and digital presence that positioned Blackbird for its next chapter of growth.

  • Jesse Clark

    Partner ⎮ Corporate & Client Relations

    Jesse is a lifelong entrepreneur. From his first car-washing business as a child to his current role as Partner at Blackbird Boats Co., he has always loved building and connecting. Jesse is also an artist, bringing creativity and vision to the development of new ideas and designs at Blackbird. With over 30 years of experience, he combines his passion for people with a natural talent for sales and client relationships. Jesse joined Blackbird as a Partner in 2024, strengthening the team with a focus on client engagement and partnerships.

  • Jay Mandarino

    Partner ⎮ Strategic Advisor

    As a successful author, lecturer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Jay is the President & CEO of CJ Graphics Inc. and several other thriving businesses. He also oversees multiple companies that support his wide range of not-for-profit ventures. Jay joined Blackbird Boats as a Partner in 2025, serving as Strategic Advisor. He shares his decades of business expertise, global network, and passion for mentorship to help guide the company’s growth and vision.

  • Deirdre Cameron

    Director of Communications

    From a young age, Deirdre found her connection to the water sailing with her father on Lake Ontario and competing as a swimmer, experiences that sparked a lifelong love of activity, discipline, and connection. Drawing on her background as a Global Services Manager, Board Co-Chair, and Committee Member, Deirdre fosters collaboration and resilience, bringing decades of leadership experience from the technology, communications, and charitable sectors to Blackbird Boats. Deirdre joined Blackbird in 2025 as Director of Communications.

  • Todd McDowell

    Senior Industrial Designer

    Todd has been shaping the design language of Blackbird Boats since 2008, when he began working alongside founder Paul Hunter. With a career rooted in Industrial Design and a passion for marine innovation, he brings an artist’s eye to form and a craftsman’s precision to detail. His work defines the elegance and performance at the heart of every Blackbird vessel.

Advisors

  • Paul Hunter

    Founder ⎮ Advisor

    Paul Hunter founded Blackbird in 1998 in Muskoka, reimagining the wooden runabout for the modern era. A self-taught craftsman, he combined traditional mahogany boatbuilding with innovative engineering to create vessels admired for their elegance, performance, and individuality. Today, while no longer running Blackbird, Paul continues to serve as an Advisor, ensuring the company’s legacy of craftsmanship and design excellence remains at its core.

  • Blake Hutcheson

    (Blackbird Classic Owner)
    Blake Hutcheson is President and CEO of OMERS. He is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the OMERS enterprise.

  • Don Tapscott

    (Blackbird Classic Owner)
    Speaker, Author, Researcher and Educator. Don Tapscott, Executive Chairman of the Blockchain Research Institute, is one of the world’s leading authorities on the impact of technology on business and society.

  • Dee Dee Taylor Eustace

    Award-winning Architect and Interior Designer based in Toronto 
    Taylor Hannah Architect Inc., has a global portfolio of residential, commercial and hospitality projects

  • Graham King

    Graham is a partner at BLG in the Corporate and Capital Markets Group. He is the national leader of BLG's Private Company Group and has served as manager of the firm’s Corporate & Commercial Group in Toronto. 

  • Peter Brown

    Partner at New Point Capital Partners
    Peter Brown has been an investment banker for over 20 years, advising on mergers and acquisitions and restructurings for mid-sized companies.