Traditional wooden boats, known as caique or kaiki, are an important part of Greek culture. They have been used for centuries to fish and to transport goods, animals, and people. They are seen everywhere in printed materials for visitors and holiday pictures. But the art of designing and building these wooden boats, completely by hand, is under threat. To build a “caique,” one person has to do all the work from cutting down trees and moving the wood, to securing each piece in place. The tradition is passed on from father to son or from one family member to another. Now, fewer people are ordering wooden boats since boats made from materials like plastic and fiberglass are less costly to maintain. And young people are not as interested in joining a profession that requires years of learning with an uncertain future. Giorgos Kiassos is one of the last remaining boat builders on the Greek island Samos. It was once a major boat production center. Kiassos is currently building two boats, one for pleasure and the other for fishing. While working, he said, “If something doesn’t change, there will come a time when there won’t be anyone left doing this type of job...” “Unfortunately, I see the profession slowly dying,” he added. The boats are being made to order. The bigger one costs $70,000 and the smaller one is around $35,000. Caiques from Samos island are famous for both the quality of the work and the material. The wood is taken from a kind of pine tree that is stronger and more resistant to insects. Years ago, there were many boat-building centers on the island. They employed many people and supported whole communities. Now, there are only about four left. Kiassos said caique building is an art but the work is tough and tiring. He said young people are not following the profession. He tried to get his 23-year-old son to learn, but his son hopes to become a boat captain instead.