I am a newcomer and I am determined to buy a canoe. My choice is limited to price and brand. I live in Portugal and after doing a bit of research I got to the conclusion that the only easily accessible brand here is Old Town Canoe. I am planning to use the boat in dams/reservoirs and calm water rivers.
Right now my choice is narrowed to two boats. Old Town Discovery 158 and Old Town Guide 147 which have an identical price tag. I still have a few doubts which I would appreciate any help. Unfortunately trying the boats first is not an option.
- Both canoes are tandem boats, but I will be using the boat solo many times. Will it handle identically as with two persons?
- The Discovery 158 boat is slightly lengthier (1’ or 20 cm) and higher (bow height) (3") that the Guide 147. Will this influence the boat’s speed? and its resistance to wind significantly?
- Both boats are Moderately rochered. The Discovery 158 boat has a shallow arch bottom and straight sides, whereas the Guide 147 has a flat bottom and straight sides as well. I am inclined to think that the Discovery 158 is more stable than the Guide 147. Am I correct? (In big dams/reservoirs I can expect waves from passing motor boats and sometimes a bit of wind too.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Warmest regards, from Portugal,
Luis