Canoe purchase

[roundtrout]

I've been thinking of buying a canoe and would like to get some thoughts on the best way to approach it. I've browsed the Old Town and Mohawk sites and they look to have some really nice boats, but a little pricey. I'm also not sure whether a solo or two seater would be best, aluminum or R-84. I'm definitely not in the market for a wooden boat. I made one of those with my dad years ago and it was the heaviest thing you'd ever want to try. Nice looking though as it was redwood strips over an oak frame that we kept a natural finish on. I'd like something more along the lines of a no-nonsense, workboat here.

Bob

[Wayne SW/MO]

It depends a great deal on what you want it to do. There is no real "all purpose canoe" in my opinion. There are some that will do many things, and do some things better than others.

You seem to be a little unsure as to what you want it for.

[roundtrout]

Wayne,

Yeah, I should have been a little more clear. I'm primarily looking for a fishing platform. Something easily portable that I can put on local still water as well as a basic float. I've looked at kayaks, cayaks (from Compass) and canoes. Access to my gear is important and something not too onerous to portage, if necessary. Portability is the key. Cartopping or the back of the pick-up will be the primary transport. I'm curious what others have found useful and durable, as well as whether to buy new or used.

[Gavin]

If your only going to have one canoe, I'd go with a royalex tandem canoe in the 15'-17' range. (You can always paddle it solo). If your primary use will be river canoeing, get one without a keel. No experience with the Mohawks, but the Old Town Camper, Penobscot, and Tripper's are all fine Royalex boats. If those are too expensive, I'd look at the Old Town Discovery's. The Disco's arent made of royalex so they are a lot heavier, but they are good all around workhorse canoes. Cheers.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I have a Mohawk Solo 13 canoe and a WS Tarpon Kayak, both of which will do what you want, solo. For a tandem, then you'll have to consider something like Gavin suggests.

The Guide 147 at 75 lbs is an economical canoe, usable by two, and can be carried in the back of a truck, with a support.

[ollie]

I had a Guide at one time and they are bomb-proof, but with that comes weight. Two people ok, one, no good. If your wanting something more solo go the lighter route. If you know someone will be along with you go for a longer 14' tandem.

Good luck.

[roundtrout]

Thanks guys, that's helpful. Wayne, I was wondering what you thought of the Mohawk? I like the looks of that Solo 13. For all of you, have you ever used those temporary seat inserts in the canoe?

Bob

[Wayne SW/MO]

I like it real well. I hear that they may be going out of business however. The last time I looked they were still in business however.

I use mine with a double paddle and it comes very close to my kayaks in tracking and moving upstream, anything can go down . I wouldn't give it up.

My Kayaks aren't as bulky, track a little better and are a little more stable, and aren't effected by the wind as much as a canoe.

The Solo allows one to reach items without getting wet, is a little more maneuverable, drier, and will carry more.

They are both light, slip over shoals, and are quiet.

Al A has a Wenowah Vagabond that he's high on.

Forgot about the seat, I use a Sitbacker, and I wouldn't leave home without it. I used my Solo on one trip without it, never again.

[Champ]

I bought a canoe a couple years ago.

Things I wanted were:

1. A boat that I could fish out of comfortably in a stream or lake.

2. Something I could use myself or with a partner.

3. Something I could load or unload myself.

I was prepared to spend some money to get something I liked. Did a lot of research on them.

Not many used canoes. I looked at a lot of canoes and found a Pelican canoe that had 3 seats, fishing rod holders, and cup holders. Better options than the other canoes and the price was low.

I have used a pelican 2 man bass boat for about 10 years with no problems. Same basic material as the canoe.

It is stable. I am able to paddle myself with the J stroke while sitting in the middle seat.

I've fished for catfish, trout, and bass. I've taken it down some large rivers and lake taneycomo and it takes the boat wakes well.

Took it on a 3 hr fishing trip with 3 people just last weekend.

It's a 15 ft Pelican Colorado. Weighs 70 lbs. I bought a couple foam pads to cary it on a car roof and a SUV.

Does what I want it to do.

[roundtrout]

Champ,

Sounds like the type of boat I'm hoping to buy. If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the used boat? Classified ads, river outfitter, boat store? Thanks.

Bob