choosing a canoe

[Al Agnew]

The specs are a little different...a couple inches longer, almost an inch wider at the waterline and over 3 inches wider at. the gunwales. I checked out some reviews, but none compared the poly 164 with the Royalex 16. I'm a little surprised about the much greater gunwale width, and would worry a bit that it means flared sides, which is nice for final stability but not good for solo paddling.. 75 pounds isn't TOO bad for weight. Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. I seem to remember hearing or reading somewhere that somebody said the 164 doesn't paddle nearly as well as the Royalex.. But I would think it would be a better paddling canoe than the Discos.

As for the Southfork, specs I found were 15'8", 35 inch waterline width, 83 pounds. Doesn't sound like an efficient paddling design, and pretty heavy.

[holleybob]

Ok. Thanks again. I hope I'm not being too bothersome with all of these questions but I just don't have the years of paddling experience that I'm wishing I had right now. 

 So my 1st choice will be a royalex penobscot 16 tandem. It appears I am not going to find one within a days drive of Springfield. There are used ones in Boulder, Washington state, and maybe one in Florida. There are 10 or so new in a warehouse in Rochester for $1700.00 each.  

2nd choice will be the same boat in 3 layer poly. I can get one new for about $1000.00 shipped to my door. 

One more question for you Al. Would you take your Vagabond down the Buffalo from start to finish ? There is one for sale in royalex for just under $1000.00. Really wanting a tandem but some times opportunities have to be taken when they present themselves. 

 

Jeff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Al Agnew]

It would depend upon water level. The Vagabond is relatively low-sided and low in front and back, so it ships a lot of water in bigger waves. If the water level is barely high enough for floating the upper end, I wouldn't hesitate to use it, but if it's high enough to really crank up some standing waves, I'd think twice, unless you want to outfit it with float bags. Those low sides and ends are one of the things that make it a good fishing canoe--it's less affected by wind.  But it's not a real whitewater canoe by far.

[Gavin]

The Vagabond will take in water if you run it over a 2' drop. Think the Wenonah Wilderness would be a better solo choice.

 

 

[holleybob]

Guys I appreciate all of the advice here. I have always been amazed at the level of experience on these forums and the unselfishness of those willing to help others. Al a special thanks to you for your assistance especially with the distractions in your life at this time.  Hopefully I'll have the chance to repay or pay forward some knowledge I have acquired along the way.

Having said that I have struck a deal with a guy in Florida to purchase his royalex old town penobscot solo 15. The boat has been used very little, has a sliding cane seat and has been stored inside in a zippered cover. I truly wanted a tandem but the only ones I could find were too high for my budget or the sellers were not willing to deal with an out of state buyer. The owner of the solo wanted someone to use this boat he had and the deal was made only with some accommodations on his part. I should have it in my possession on April 8th or 9th. Oh, I also got the fast version...it's  red!

For anyone needing to transport a canoe cross country I would recommend  uship. Not done yet but looking good. By far the best shipping option out there for boats of any size or shape.

Thanks again and happy easter !!

[Gavin]

Sounds like a winner! Good for you. Nothing paddles better than a 15' solo canoe. 

[Al Agnew]

Yep, I always wanted that canoe, but missed out on them when they were still being manufactured and never found one for sale.

[holleybob]

I found it on paddleswap.com . Pretty cool site. You put in your parameters and it locates all that are for sale on the internet with a hyperlink to each one. Then as mentioned before I used uship and found a transporter that was bringing a boat from Florida to Osage beach. Now he's bringing two. I'll meet him in Osage Beach. $200 to ship it. I'd  spend that much in fuel if I did it myself. I'm  pretty happy with it so far but still a bit reserved until it's sitting in my truck.

 

Jeff

 

[holleybob]

My new penobscot solo 15 pulled into the driveway about 4 o'clock Saturday. I think I'm going to be pretty happy with it.

[Al Agnew]

Sweet! If you decide you don't like it, let me know...I'd trade you a well-used Vagabond and cash for it!