Buying the Best Canoes

Fish, Wildlife, and photographs. This is all about paddling. A lot of people do it for fun and family outings while others take on the adventurous routes of solo trips. In either case, you need a durable and spacious canoe to enjoy the paddling experience to its best. Talking about canoes, they are available in a good variety in the market. Variety in terms of shape, size, length, material, and capacity. But if you want to buy one for yourself, the first question you should be asking yourself is the purpose you want it for. If you want a solo trip, a small-sized lightweight canoe will do, but if you will have your group with you, the dimensions are different for that.

This article will not just help you in understanding key factors that are considered before looking for a river canoe but will also ease your search by providing brief descriptions of a few highly rated canoes.

Things to look for before buying a Canoe

Since there is a large variety of canoes out there, it is pretty difficult for a newbie to choose from them. Here is the buyers’ guide that will be helpful.

Length and Shape

The most fundamental thing to consider is the size of the boat. The shape not so much, but the length determines a great deal in determining the size of your canoe. It is important because you will have to transport the canoe to the water and back. So, it is wise to choose a size that is compatible with the size of vehicle you have. Secondly, the type of water you will take your canoe out on also counts in this consideration. Flat-bottom canoes are more stable and are preferred for family and fishing. But if you are looking for speed and momentum through waters, small canoes with round bottoms will do.

Weight

This is simple logic. The heavier the canoe, the harder it will be to load it onto the top of your vehicle and transport it. If you are planning to buy a canoe for group outings and family outings, the weight of the canoe should not be worried about since you will have to buy large canoes. But if you are embarking on solo trips, you should look for a canoe that you would be able to transport and postage easily.

Materials

The type of materials used in your canoe will determine the weight and durability of it. Some materials are more durable than others, some are lighter, and similarly, some are costly based on these two features. If you are looking for a lightweight canoe, a plastic one would be good. But if you want more and rugged construction, aluminum is better. Precisely, you will have to choose a canoe that offers the best balance between durability, weight, and price.

Carrying Capacity

Most of the canoes are rated on two bases; the number of people they can hold and the total weight they can carry. So, you will have to be careful essentially about two things. Firstly, how many people are accompanying you on this adventure. Make sure the number does not exceed the safe limit. Secondly, how much total weight you are loading on the canoe. It will include the weight of people and gear. You will have to know whether you are canoeing with a large group or with toddlers? Whether everyone is carrying separate fishing gear or you will share? Is there any extra cargo to be carried like food and stuff? And most importantly, when you are doing these calculations, do not forget to include crucial safety gear like life jackets in your list.

Now that you know how to choose a canoe based on our requirements, preference, and all the information you have, let me share with you a few good choices. Here is a small list of a few top-rated canoes that will help you invest in a good option.

1. Grumman River Canoe

If I was to replace the name of this canoe with one word it would be elegance. Gracing a retro look, the sleek design canoe is surely going to make your neighbors jealous. Grumman River canoe is mostly marketed as a solo canoe but it has a safe capacity of two people. It is good to have company, but if you are embarking on a solo adventure, you should be mentally prepared for lack of help.

Talking about the body of the canoe, it is made up of strong aluminum which is known for its durability and ability to stand the test of time. With an aluminum bottom, you will not have to worry about rocks in the water hitting its base. It will pierce through the water with ease and comfort. Get a friend with you and get the delights of one of the most promising canoeing experiences.

The bottom line about this canoe is that it features a sleek, sturdy, and long-lasting design. Being lightweight, it will not bother you much in transporting to and back from the waters. You can easily handle it in a good solo-trip if the waters are not harsh. For all these heavy features, its price tag is also bigger and we think it's worth it.

2. Old Town Penobscot

If you are a fan of speed and racing, the Discovery 119 Solo Canoe from Old Town is here to offer the required agility and rapid movement across the water. Made up of lightweight rotomolded polyethylene, this canoe is just 49lbs. You can easily carry it yourself to the water and enjoy a mesmerizing solo trip sitting on its strong and comfortable nylon webbed seat. The boat is no short of any storage space in front and at the back. You can carry as much necessary gear you want and there will still be enough space to sit and paddle.

Talking about the performance, Old town canoe can be paddled easily with a single or double-bladed paddle. Its aerodynamic shape allows it to gain speed quickly with any type of paddling. You will have to apply lesser force to manipulate this canoe and take it in the direction you want. If you want to canoe down a long mountain lake with a tent and some fishing gear, this small-sized lightweight canoe is probably the best option to choose.

3. MYCANOE Origami Folding Canoe

Featuring one of the marvels of modern technology; Origami folding system, this canoe can fit in the trunk of your family car before you unfold it and ride it in the water. All this will take not more than a few minutes. Isn’t it amazing? For this very reason, you can transport this canoe to almost any area you want as all it takes is two minutes of folding it for an outing in the trunk of your car. To add something about the workability of this Origami system, it has the ability of 2000 folds before it will wear out. This means, you can use this canoe for like 50 years and it will still work completely fine.

To be specific, the canoe will stretch 14 feet upon unfolding and has a capacity of carrying two people. Another thing that I love about this the carrying case becomes part of the canoe so that whatever comes with you from the car is crafted into your canoe and nothing is left behind at all. You might be wondering after all these folding will the canoe still be as durable as you bought it? The answer is yes. The marine-grade polypropylene fabric that is used in the construction of his canoe can resist UV rays and ensure the perfect quality of construction for about 15 years.

Conclusion

We have narrowed down your search to these 3 amazing canoes but this is not it all. If you are still not sure about

choice, try getting these canoes for test drives. It will help. Make sure whatever choice you make has a good aerodynamic design, carrying capacity, quality material, and most importantly durable enough to stand the test of time.