bebop around. Nothing other than to relax for an hour. It's a small lake that connects to larger lakes if the level permits. I'm in a retirement community. Let's say I would be on the lake 2-4 hours a week. An hour + at a time. I'm 63 and arthritis loves me...so no high speed padding. No fishing (yet). Just joy riding and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors on a sunny day. The customer service guy at LL suggested the penobscot canoe in 17'. I want to buy right the first time. Also want quality. I looked on Craig's list and do not see anything locally. Keep the replies coming in. Every comment or opinion helps.
........ comment coming from me . It is almost unheard of that I would suggest a very light weight (or even ultra-light) composite lay-up canoe ... but I feel this type of canoe might just be perfect for you . For these types of canoes others can best enlighten you ... although I greatly admire and appreciate them , they are not for me and what I do in a canoe ... I'm a basher and cruncher at heart (I would wreck one fast in a mountain river) and prefer a tank of a canoe .
These light and agile canoes cost more , and in most (if not all) cases considerably more . But the pleasure aspect of pure paddling sensation on calm waters , being one with the canoe and all that , refined paddling technique , plus capable speed (as in high) if desired , and just plain ease of such a canoe's manuverablity (when compared to less refined canoes) ... will be something that you will never regret getting for yourself , your purposes and desires , place (waters) , age , and physical considerations .
I am hoping you are able to invest (afford) the dollars required to obtain one of the many canoes available in this light to ultra-light design and construction . Such canoes also command a good resale value on the used market . I believe all such type canoes will be of very high quality not only in construction methods but in design as well (such canoes are not intended to be relentlessly rock busting in mountain rivers as I prefer , and need) .
I'll only suggest one for starters , one of the Souris River models . They may not have a model best for you ... others can suggest other possibilities from here . They will ship to you direct , crated and under their liability I believe (talk to them direct , inquire and tell them you're just curious about purchasing a canoe and enjoy the conversation) .
1stCanoe , it is my feeling from listening to you , that should you end up purchasing such a canoe as I have mentioned (any one of the refined light canoes) ... that it (the canoe) will constantly be whispering in your ear "come on hurry up and jump in I wanna go out today" ... and bring my favorite paddle with you too !! ... it's just a gut feeling but I am seldom incorrect about such things ... best to you and enjoy no matter which canoe you chose .
What on earth do you need 17 feet for or more properly a 17 foot canoe? Grandkids? It doesnt seem like you are going tripping.
Also be advised that dragging gets old and there is the"right of light". Meaning that an heavy canoe at rest tends to stay at rest. Unused…in the yard. I have seen that time and again shorefront landowners on my lake with domrnant heavy aluminum and polyethylene canoes in the yard.
“If UPS was the only way for me to get a canoe; I’d paddle a kayak.”
If you know thebob you know how damning that statement is. He’d give up beer and Tulamore Dew, and then give away all his canoes and motorcycles rather than paddle a kayak
a canoe at all and are unsure as to which type of canoe will provide the most enjoyment for your situation and budget. Inquiries to your closest canoe dealers might reveal some answers as to what's available locally for new boats and your delivery options. I'd suggest a few phone calls or visits, if possible. Some in-person time, I think, would be very helpful. Go with independent shops. If you can, forget the chain stores.
sorry for my previous posts, i was NOT trying to hijack the thread.
i was in a similar situation and the title "purchasing a canoe" was similar to what i am in the need for and i am also looking at aluminum, but i'll stick to my own thread on the board.
my previous posts have been deleted by myself so as not to offend anyone, which it appears i did.
...... his suggestion to check out the Wenonah dealers (I think he said perhaps as many as 7 in Fl.) for a reasonable deal on a "used" Wenonah sounded really good . A nice used canoe is as good as any new one (minus the scratches which you will get anyway) .
I'm still suggesting a "light weight" composite hull (like 55 lbs. or less) ... Wenonah has quite a few of those in several different models 16'-17.5' range ... they also have some Royalex and Poly canoes but try not to think of those for now .
I'm thinking not much rocker (minimal 1' or so) , 33"-35" width , 16'-17.5' , Tandem , 55 lbs. or less ... not sure what hull types Wenonah will have (flat , shallow arch , shallow V ???) . Hope others can add something more about specific Wenonah models .
you had a legitimate question but the answers were getting braided with others. Perhaps you could start a new thread. It takes MUCH much more to offend us!
kinda depends on lake Might want something more maneverable and agile and comparatively light like an Argosy. I know of a mint kevlar one for sale but its in Canada.
The Vagabond is a kindly predictable solo for the new soloist.
Spirit II in Tuf Weave weighs only four pounds more than Kevlar flexcore, and costs much less. The Tuf Weave layup should wear without fuzzing and is plenty strong. The Spirit II is fast enough, maneuverable enough, and its shallow arch hull will have reassuring stability.
Indian River Kayak in Vero Beach has several Wenonah boats and may still have a Spirit II. Adventure Times Kayak in West Palm is a Wenonah dealer and I have ordered several Wenonah and Current Design boats form the owner Steve.
by saying thanks again for everyones help. You guys are direct and informative. I can get a Wenonah Solo Plus in Kevlar Ultra Light delivered to my door in a few weeks.
I talked to Stephen at Adventure Times Kayaks. The conversation was as good as it gets. To be continued.
And, really, it only took a few days for you to go from a metal utilitarian boat to a refined composite! Much longer, and you'll end up with a nicer boat than anybody here!
Kevlar UL: You'll want to store that indoors, if possible. Definitely under cover from sun. A good paddle or two and a proper PFD will set you back another 3-400 smackers, too.
I intend to buy 2 good quality wood paddles, 2 lifejackets, have a small storage rack/stand built, some kind of cover. I have plenty of 303…great stuff. I’m almost ready to Rock & Roll…or is that an unwelcome expression.
PFD’s AKA life jackets, can cost half as much as a used boat and about the same as a decent quality paddle.
Comfort and fit are important. It it doesn’t fit well or is uncomfortable you will be less inclined to wear it. I just had an opportunity to see a new pfd on the market from Astral Buoyancy. It’s more breathable than others I have seen, and therefore may be more comfortable to wear in FL. It’s the Camino model. Check it out.
I need(Kevlar UL) and the dealer I'm going to use.... I'm still tossing the size around. The lake behind me is small. And from a storage standpoint a 15' canoe would be better. Are they less fun than a larger one. The Solo Plus is available but that is not reason enough to buy it until I give others some more thought.
just found out...the community I live in has it's rule book. Nothing longer than 16'
If you "want it now", you're gonna have to take what you can get. There is no perfect do-it-all canoe. It's all about compromise.
BTW, you don't "need" a Kevlar UL hull. They sure are nicer to carry, but if you're thinking about leaving it outside, I might consider Royalex or a composite with a pigmented gelcoat.
I wouldn't go shorter than 16' for a tandem, but that's just me.
You know, if your pond is small, and you don't think you'll ever want to take your canoe elsewhere, your original thought of an aluminum hull might not be all that bad. You could leave it on a pair of low horses down by the water and literally flip it over and drag it into the water without worry about damage or maintenance. You really shouldn't do that with a Kevlar boat.
