The Canoe Vs. Kayak Debate

[Zbugg]

Concerning price of a solo canoe, Dick's is now offering what they call a Kay-Noe by Field and Stream. It is actually an Old Town Pack w/ F & S stickers and a better, lower seat(??but also heavier??). Dick's advertises it at 43 pounds vs. OT who says the Pack is 33 pounds. It looks like the Pack Angler package, but OT still says that is 33 pounds. The only thing I can figure is the seat adds the weight and OT didn't account for that on their weight listing. Our local Dick's store in VA has them "on sale" this week for $450. Good price for a blanketed Pack. I was thinking of getting one but who knows. -Zbugg

[Al Agnew]

Hmm...possibly that canoe is made of the poly and not Royalex, which would account for the extra weight. 43 pounds isn't bad--my Vagabond weighs about that much. And other than the weight, the poly is a pretty good material, quiet and durable. Could be a pretty good deal for an entry-level solo.

[Zbugg]

Dick's advertises it as 3 layer construction, which sounds like Royalex, but they don't come out and call it Royalex, so I'm not sure. Also I saw a Dick's catalog today for members(I think it was Points Club or Scorecard or something like that), and it was advertised in there for $400. I think my Father in law is a member.... it's getting harder to turn down. -Z

['02 Magna]

i bought the Kay-noe from dicks at the end of june for $399. i have floated it about 50 miles on the Meramac so far and i LOVE IT! im about 6'3" and 300lbs and it is plenty roomy and stable for me. it tracks very well and turns easily. i have also found that at a non paddeling float it is faster that a regular kayak. my previous boat was a 11'6 Ocean kayak scrambler, it was much narrower and alot more prone to tip. it does everything my kayak would w alot more comfort, piece of mind(about tipping), and storage. i use a double bladed paddle. the seat on it is pretty nice and is quite adjustable to whatever your liking. it also sits you lower down in the boat (more like a kayak), that a tradition canoe would.

i would def recommend it to anybody wanting a good affordable solo boat.