Looking to buy a canoe

[ph21]

Hi all

Anyone have any recommendations on a canoe? Brand and where to buy in the Anchorage area? I am looking at getting a 16 foot canoe that can haul me, my wife and my dog with a little gear comfortably. Comfort is important but I also want quality over anything. I want to canoe up rivers and lakes. No ocean or rough waters. My budget is $1000. Of course I'd love to find one cheaper or used. Thanks for your help.

 

[power drifter]

Check Craigslist. 3 different canoes listed today

 

[ph21]

Check Craigslist. 3 different canoes listed today

Yes I am aware of Craigslist. I just would like some insight on what brands and materials are best for the money.

 

[gulkana99701]

hi ph,

if you looking for quality then i'd suggest any of the following brands, mad river, bell, old town. if you go to their websites you can filter your search based upon your needs. if you plan to do rivers then you will be dealing with dodging rocks. i would highly suggest you look at models that use royalex type layup rather than kevlar or fiberglass.

you can look for used boats and sometimes you'll get a sweetheart deal. but its rare as a used canoe that is in good shape will often time sell for very close to retail.

 

[Alaskacanoe]

For all around Alaska service I like the Royalex material canoes.
they are a little over your $1000.00 new, but used they can go for about half that much in the used market.
the reason I like these boats is that you can portage them, go in various waters from lakes, rivers.
If you dont plan on portage very far, you can go with a poly canoe. they can be from the old Coleman type , Pelican, and manufactures like Old town make the guide models etc. made from what they call poly link and they sale for like $750 New but weigh in over 75 lbs.
Costco had them last week, and Sportsman has them now for about the same price new.
You can call me anytime for more information and questions you may have on many different types of canoes and hull designs.
we have a canoe rental company and have used and do have many many varieties of canoes in our fleet, from Kevlar / fiberglass, Royalex,/ and poly materials.
Remember that sometimes a salesman will want to sell you on what he has on the lot,, and that is not always the best canoe for your needs or desires or experience, so try and get a more unbiased view is always smarter than just going to the canoe store..
thanks so much
Max

 

[Gulkana Rafting]

Lots of great brands out there to choose from. In my rental fleet I have SOAR Pro-Pinoneers (inflatable) and Old Town for all of my rigged canoes. Both are the top of the line and give you many years of solid service. Look around but don't cut corners and but a bargin brand canoe. A little more up front is well worth it!


Walt

Gulkana River Raft Rentals
Rafts, Canoes and Camps
Mile 127.5 of the Richardson
www.gulkanaraftrental.com

 

[Sid]

do let us know what you end up with an why you selected that one over the other brands , if you would
Sid

 

[pipercub]

ph21, to decide on the best canoe, you need to match the hull shape to what your intended type of water/paddling is going to be....You say river and lakes and no white water, then you probably need a less rocker and better tracking type hull( flatter )... Paddling with a wife and a dog, then a wider more initial stability type hull might be better....As your skills improve that type of canoe is going to be slower and less maneuverable. If you want to paddle more challenging conditions later on, you would want a more rockered and rounded hull. That would equate to being more maneuverable and having better secondary stability....There are many other factors to consider, so do your research....Wenonah Canoe has a good site....Bell is also good but maybe going out of business(is up for sale)...I wouldn't buy a Soar or Old Town anything anymore(Chinese junk)...there are many good North American canoe manufacturers, so why buy some Chinese junk......

 

[bbshshii]

I love my Kevlar canoes for flatwater paddling but they are out of your price range.
They don't have a dealer in AK yet but I really like my Swift Kevlar Dumoine and will one day have one in Royalex.
There is a Swift dealer in Whitehorse and if you would like to see one of their boats let me know.

dave

 

[smthgfshy]

Get a royalex boat. Don't think about aluminum or kevlar. Alum. is too heavy and there are better materials out there that will last just as long. Don't buy Kevlar because its fragile and doesn't like rocks or currents. A royalex boat (new) is just out of your price range, but doable used. Look for something at least 16 ft. Don't go over 18ft. Get something with a bit of rocker (1"-2") to help in current and to make the boat more versatile. Get in the boat and paddle it if possible. Seats should be low, but high enough to stick your feet under if you're kneeling. Slight tumblehome shape is preferred for comfort and a high bow and stern (although are more prone to wind). buy comfy pfd's and wear them. buy bent shaft paddles (foxworx). only pussies and people who can't afford a lund put motors on their canoes (or buy square-backs).

 

[danattherock]

only pussies and people who can't afford a lund put motors on their canoes (or buy square-backs).

Which reminds me, I am looking at buying a canoe and mounting a trolling motor on it. Likely a 16.5 or 18' royalex canoe that will pull double duty on rivers in the Smoky Mountains and central lakes here in NC. Anyone got any ideas on where to mount a bracket. Most pics seem to have the motor on the side, 4-5' from the back, near the rear seat. I am wondering how that would track and even considered making a mount for two 35-40 lb trolling motors, one on each side. That would also allow me to control boat direction well and skip the previous idea I had about installing a rear rudder (like on back of a saltwater kayak). Any clever ideas for a stern mounting option? Just curious if any pussies had any pictures.


-Dan

 

[jkb]

Get a royalex boat. Don't think about aluminum or kevlar. Alum. is too heavy and there are better materials out there that will last just as long. Don't buy Kevlar because its fragile and doesn't like rocks or currents. A royalex boat (new) is just out of your price range, but doable used. Look for something at least 16 ft. Don't go over 18ft. Get something with a bit of rocker (1"-2") to help in current and to make the boat more versatile. Get in the boat and paddle it if possible. Seats should be low, but high enough to stick your feet under if you're kneeling. Slight tumblehome shape is preferred for comfort and a high bow and stern (although are more prone to wind). buy comfy pfd's and wear them. buy bent shaft paddles (foxworx). only pussies and people who can't afford a lund put motors on their canoes (or buy square-backs).

That's funny

 

[wldboar]

Which reminds me, I am looking at buying a canoe and mounting a trolling motor on it. Likely a 16.5 or 18' royalex canoe that will pull double duty on rivers in the Smoky Mountains and central lakes here in NC. Anyone got any ideas on where to mount a bracket. Most pics seem to have the motor on the side, 4-5' from the back, near the rear seat. I am wondering how that would track and even considered making a mount for two 35-40 lb trolling motors, one on each side. That would also allow me to control boat direction well and skip the previous idea I had about installing a rear rudder (like on back of a saltwater kayak). Any clever ideas for a stern mounting option? Just curious if any pussies had any pictures.


-Dan

Whoops, wrong forum....pictures and pussies...walks away smiling

 

[Dirtofak]

That's funny

Agreed!!!!!!

 

[danthedewman1]

Have 15.6 footer for sale,,,scanoe,,dinged a lil..on craigslist.smokercraft.