How Does Ordering a Boat Work?

1. Request a Quote

Visit our Get A Quote page, and click the discipline you're looking for. Fill out the form with all of the specifications and any extra requests you may have. We will send a quote to you as soon as possible (please note, these are not auto generated, so give us a few days.) 

2. Send your Deposit

The deposit amount is listed on your estimate, deposits must be sent by the deadline to ensure the order is processed.  You can hit "Click to Pay" right in the estimate, change the payment amount to the deposit amount listed on your invoice, and pay by bank transfer or credit card right there.  

3. Design/Colour selection

Custom Design (Added fee)
Contact our in house designer, Tessa Oldershaw, with your design ideas or inspiration.  To see examples of past work, visit our instagram and check out our design portfolio. Please note, boat designs from previous customers cannot be replicated exactly.  Still unsure? Read Tessa’s blog post, The Art of Boat Design.

Pre-Made Design (Added fee)
Purchase a pre-made design online and send Tessa your colour selection via email.  She will send you a rendering of your boat with the design in your chosen colours to review.  You can approve or ask for changes if needed.  Once you’re happy with your boat design, we will submit it to the factory with your order.

Colour Selection (no added fee)
Use Nelo’s Design Tool to select your colour(s.) Once you have decided, download the PDF and email it to Scott (scott@nelocanada.ca.) 
Nelo uses the RAL Colour System.  The colour codes are listed beside the colour name in the drop down menu.  We suggest searching for images of items painted in the colour if you are unsure.  Ex. for Hungary Green 6019, google image search “RAL 6019.”  The design tool image can look darker than the actual colours due to the 3D rendering and shading in the design tool. Contact Tessa if you need help with viewing the colours.


4. Boat production

This is where the magic happens! The Nelo factory in Portugal will be hard at work making your boat just right.  You will receive a link via email to register your boat.  Registering your boat gives you complimentary custom name stickers as well as a photo of your boat during production.

5. Container shipping

Once all the boats are made, Nelo loads them in a shipping container for their trek across the Atlantic.  Due to many factors, shipping time can be highly variable, and we do not get accurate arrival dates until shortly before the boats arrive.  We keep you updated as best we can.  Once we receive notice of the boat arriving, we will send out the final invoices to collect the remaining balance and arrange the logistics of delivery or pick up.

6. Receiving and Processing

It’s starting to get exciting… the boats land in Oakville where our team unloads and processes each boat.  We check carefully for any quality issues, shipping damage, missing parts, etc. Issues are rare, but if they occur we will be in touch with you and always come up with a solution on a case by case basis.

7. Delivery/Pick up

Delivery fees are not included on the original quote.  The fee and method of transportation is arranged before the boats are sent.  We do our best to keep these fees minimal while keeping the boats safe.  Pick up from Oakville is free, simply arrange a time with us.  Please note the boats are not insured upon leaving us in Oakville, see our Terms and Conditions for more details.

8. Get Your Boat!

YAY! The day has arrived, you have received your boat! Please double check everything and let us know immediately if there are any issues.  We love seeing your photos/videos of uncovering the boats or paddling them, so please send or tag us on socials.  Now the real work begins… Happy Paddling!