Purchasing a Canoe

1st canoe , wondering how your search

– Last Updated: Dec-07-10 12:07 PM EST –

...... for a canoe is going . Have you "began" to look into and try to understand the differences in canoe hull designs ??

Having some understanding (edu.) about the "basics" of possible hull design features would probably help you pick and chose a combination of these features (in a particular model) that will be most suited to what you wish to do with the canoe . I also feel that choosing a combination of design features (in a particular canoe model) that will allow more flexabilty of use for different water conditions (water enviroment) , is a good idea ... as opposed to a model that is designed to have maximum performance for a singular purpose .

In the linked vid. , I particullaly like the way the narrator gives the "rocking chair" example when he refers to the "shallow arch" hull design feature and secondary stability (which is the stabilty term used that describes a canoe's resistance to going over (flipping) sideways when it is leaned aggressively) .

Each particular feature (singular) incorperated into a canoe's "overall" design will have a special effect on the way the canoe handles in a given type of water evironment (by water environment I mean the "top" of the water where you and the canoe are does all kinds of things depending on what is causing it (the water) to do those things) . Also the degree or amount of a particular feature incorperated into the hull's design will have a greater or lesser effect of what that feature does .

The vid. in this link gives an idea of what I'm refering to , it's pretty basic and from there you can research and perhaps ask some questions about the possible design features further .

http://www.moshannonfalls.com/understanding-canoe-and-hull-design/



Thanks for the link

– Last Updated: Dec-09-10 8:20 PM EST –

Watching it now. I'll take suggestions. My gut feeling is the canoe will never leave my property. Will be used on a small calm lake. Strictly for joy riding...no gunwaling at my age. I might just get a 15' Kevlar UL. I will be solo most of the time...but do not want a solo canoe. I have to take my best shot and hope I enjoy what I get. Learn from experience and go from there. Something easy to paddle (my upper body is not exact LA fitness centerfold material) and good stability.
Given my info...what seems like a good starter. I'm focusing on a Wenonah. 15' or 16.

I appreciate this info....tomorrow I will discuss this with the manufacturer.