Canoes

[Boat Newb]

Probably a dumb question, but are they hard to maneuver by yourself? I'm in a boat mood again and have come across a few that I'm interested in. I'd get a kayak, but my wife wants to go occasionally and she doesn't care much for a tandem kayak and we're both giants so a canoe just works best. We'll probably be spending most of our time in the James River/Lake Springfield area.

[Justin Spencer]

From what I see, "giants" can sometimes have a tough time keeping a canoe upright, while they do quite well in kayaks. If you have canoed in the past you probably will do okay by yourself, if you have not canoed much it can be tough.

[Gavin]

Define Giants!

[grizwilson]

I would suggest either renting from someone, such as Justin who has both. Or visiting Ozark Mt. Trading Company in Ozark, MO or Garfield, Ar. They often have demo days, and want you in the right boat. My last trip to Garfield I tested several, came home with a canoe, have a SOT Kayak on my wish list. But they want to make sure you are happy.

http://springfield.craigslist.org/bod/3107437136.html

A friend purchased from: http://www.riverjim.com/

have not delt with him but hear nice things.

Bottom line, try before you buy, I have purchased several on recommendations good intentioned, but just was not happy, wasted lots of money trading.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Probably a dumb question, but are they hard to maneuver by yourself? I'm in a boat mood again and have come across a few that I'm interested in. I'd get a kayak, but my wife wants to go occasionally and she doesn't care much for a tandem kayak and we're both giants so a canoe just works best. We'll probably be spending most of our time in the James River/Lake Springfield area.

My dad is 74 and still works a 17ft'er by himself.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Yeah I think the answer is yes and no. Very difficult if you don't know what you're doing and not so much if you do.

If you decide to give it a try you might want to locate a used Old Town 169 or 174. They're both capable of large loads and generally easy to find. If canoeing works out for you and you want to upgrade, they're easy to sell.

[Boat Newb]

Define Giants!

I'm 6'4" and 255 and she's not far behind me. lol.

[Boat Newb]

I would suggest either renting from someone, such as Justin who has both. Or visiting Ozark Mt. Trading Company in Ozark, MO or Garfield, Ar. They often have demo days, and want you in the right boat. My last trip to Garfield I tested several, came home with a canoe, have a SOT Kayak on my wish list. But they want to make sure you are happy.

http://springfield.c...3107437136.html

A friend purchased from: http://www.riverjim.com/

have not delt with him but hear nice things.

Bottom line, try before you buy, I have purchased several on recommendations good intentioned, but just was not happy, wasted lots of money trading.

I drive by the new Ozark store every morning. I need to stop by there. I hope they've got some good discounts because I've got quite the low spending limit.

[MoSportsmen]

Manuverability depends. Might go without saying but paddles matter. I have a short little paddle that I can handle with one hand while fishing. Helps to make small corections in position before the canoe needs a big correction.

[ColdWaterFshr]

I think Wayne is right on. Get a Old Town 169 or 174. If your gal really is that close to your size, and I ain't trying to be a smart-aleck here . . . but ya'll are heading for some tip-overs and arguments.