Hey all, I was given this canoe and it has almost zero identification on it. Any idea what the brand could be?
It’s 17ft long, probably Kevlar or a blend of, supposedly around 5-8 years old. Has the word “Portage” on each side.
The Hull ID didn’t turn up any results, and even says it’s a Coleman canoe!
Coleman Portage canoes, specifically the Coleman Expedition 146 DLX and Scanoe, are known for their ruggedness and durability, making them a popular choice for recreational use and fishing. While not known for speed or ease of portaging due to their weight, they are praised for their stability and ability to withstand abuse.
If you have the Hull Identification Number (HIN) you might try and look it up HERE.
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@rstevens15 thanks for the reply!
I’ve never known Coleman canoes to be made of anything other than heavy duty materials. This canoe seems to be made of a kevlar blend and weighs under 50lbs.
The HIN lookup tool is a great idea, the number on the side of this canoe is two digits less than a traditional HIN (10 vs 12).
The mystery continues!
In the meantime, revel in the fact that you have a decent boat in good condition.
It appears to be well built with good furniture. It is under 50 pounds. It is 17 feet.
I like this canoe a lot.
Coleman canoes are among the worst canoes ever made.
Disclaimer: I know absolutely nothing about canoes.
This is what Google AI came back with though:
Based on the image and your description, the canoe is likely a
Wenonah.
While you mentioned “Portage” as a potential model, which is often associated with the act of carrying a canoe, Wenonah does not have a specific model named “Portage.” However, the term “portage” is used in the name of a retailer, Paddle & Portage Canoes, which sells Wenonah canoes, including a model called the Wenonah Voyager, which is 17’6" long.
Given the length you provided (17’), several Wenonah models could fit, such as:
- Wenonah 17 Wenonah Classic Touring Canoe
: This model is precisely 17’ long and is described as a great general-use, canoe camping, and family boat.
- Wenonah Boundary Waters
: Also 17’ long, known for its stability and capacity, suitable for fishermen, sportsmen, and families.
- Wenonah Encounter
: Another 17’ model designed for capacity, featuring an efficient hull.
To confirm the exact model, you might look for a Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the canoe, typically found near the stern on the exterior or interior.
It’s already identified as Coleman. While Coleman did produce canoes for many years, their canoe production has been discontinued. The Coleman brand is now owned by a different company. Pelican International acquired the rights to the Coleman canoe line in 2007 and now produces similar models under the Pelican brand.
Just for fun you can try emailing either Coleman or Pelican with the HIN and they might be able to give you more details.
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Thanks all!
There is a chance it ISN’T a Coleman, so no suggestions are a bad one.
The HIN is on the bow of the boat - not the traditional spot for one, and it’s two digits short of the normal 12.
Another idea I’m pondering is if it’s an older Scott or similar brand.
I’ve emailed a couple companies with the same inquiry as this thread. No clear winners yet. 
What is the HIN?
No need for that, I’ve already identified it 
There actually was a canoe company called ‘Portage Canoe Company’ in Oshawa ON Canada. The logo on your boat is where a manufacturer typically puts its name. HIN prefix was ZFO. Seems odd that you won’t share the number that you have if you want help to ID the boat.