Bless Her Ever Loving Heart

[BredMan]

Now that this has opened up some real good discussion and information on canoes, I have kicked around the idea of getting a canoe for sometime now myself. I have researched many via the internet, reviews, and such. Never owned a canoe before either. Advise given here was to 'try-out' different canoes first before buying left me wondering how one does that and where. It's not like going to a car dealer to test drive different model cars. How would someone go about trying out a canoe? Hope this doesn't sound too stupid.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Yeah but I didn't make a cameo appearance. That I remember??

[Flysmallie]

Advise given here was to 'try-out' different canoes first before buying left me wondering how one does that and where. It's not like going to a car dealer to test drive different model cars. How would someone go about trying out a canoe? Hope this doesn't sound too stupid.

A lot of the businesses that sell canoes frequently have days at area lakes where you can try different canoes and kayaks. Just call ones in your area and ask if they provide this.

[Justin Spencer]

Now that this has opened up some real good discussion and information on canoes, I have kicked around the idea of getting a canoe for sometime now myself. I have researched many via the internet, reviews, and such. Never owned a canoe before either. Advise given here was to 'try-out' different canoes first before buying left me wondering how one does that and where. It's not like going to a car dealer to test drive different model cars. How would someone go about trying out a canoe? Hope this doesn't sound too stupid.

Before you decide to buy think about where and how you will use it. If you primarily use it on float streams and will need shuttles you will never recover your investment as most shuttle fees are near (or above) rental fees. I see people all the time lugging their canoes around to save 10 bucks, which is fine if you have a special canoe that you prefer to float in, but most think it will save them money over time, and it is really just a big hassel. If you will use it on lakes and have buddies with thier own canoes that will have to take another vehicle anyway, then you can do your own shuttling and save money.

Not trying to discourage you, but I know when I float many times I wish I would just go rent one to aviod all the hassel, but that's hard to do with 200 of them sitting in the yard.

[Greasy B]

The rental idea will never work. Rental canoes paddle like wash tubs and the whole idea is to float streams that are not serviced by rentals. Who wants to share the river with 200 bozos boats. Having your own boat is a special thing. We have seven in our household and could use a few more.

[Gavin]

I'll rent a boat occassionally, and pay for shuttles and access if I have too...but I prefer to float my own boat and shuttle with friends. If you use an outfitter...Your stuck to the outfitters access points, and your following the outfitters schedule for the most part. Just the way it is....On the water late, off early, limited choice of access.

If you want to try a boat. Alpine shop has a demo day in the spring or hook up with someone here and go fishing. I'm sure that most here wouldnt mind letting you try one of there boats.

[Justin Spencer]

The rental idea will never work. Rental canoes paddle like wash tubs and the whole idea is to float streams that are not serviced by rentals. Who wants to share the river with 200 bozos boats. Having your own boat is a special thing. We have seven in our household and could use a few more.

I just wanted bredman to think about how he wanted to use it. I agree with you but if you don't have a group you like to fish with and go far from home gas prices make it prohibitive to take two rigs everywhere you go where you can't get shuttles.

By the way anyone looking for a decent canoe that doesn't float like a washtub, I have some Novacrafts I would sell, they have some decent rocker which makes them handle extremely well. The average floater thinks they feel too tippy which is why I want to get rid of them.

[Gavin]

Think I'll be down to your place next month with Tater Tots bunch, I'd like to paddle one of those Novacrafts.

[Greasy B]

I just wanted bredman to think about how he wanted to use it. I agree with you but if you don't have a group you like to fish with and go far from home gas prices make it prohibitive to take two rigs everywhere you go where you can't get shuttles.

By the way anyone looking for a decent canoe that doesn't float like a washtub, I have some Novacrafts I would sell, they have some decent rocker which makes them handle extremely well. The average floater thinks they feel too tippy which is why I want to get rid of them.

I appreciate you not being a typical outfitter and if had a chance I would love to try your Novacraft. In a funny way you made my point because outfitters have to satisfy their clients need for a stable but unresponsive boat.

[tjulianc]

By the way anyone looking for a decent canoe that doesn't float like a washtub, I have some Novacrafts I would sell, they have some decent rocker which makes them handle extremely well. The average floater thinks they feel too tippy which is why I want to get rid of them.

What model Novacraft?