Has anyone actually used a one man inflatable canoe?

Question

I was wondering if there was alot of difference due to not having the weight of a normal canoe. Only use for messing around in the sea, not professional. Are they any good?

Answer 1

I own two inflatable kayaks which I use for whitewater use (class III & III+, mostly).  I'm not sure about an inflatable canoe (kneel in) instead of kayak (sit in), but here are the differences I have noted:

The inflatable is more susceptible to wind.  This can be an important consideration for distance paddling or where headwinds would be a factor.

The inflatable is somewhat less manueverable than a hard-shell.  Not a lot less manueverable, but a little.  I have used my inflatables for ocean surfing, and once you are onto a wave face it is considerably more difficult to steer off if you need to, but otherwise they surf just as well.

The inflatable is less comfortable and more damp.  For a long day of paddling this can be a factor.

The inflatable is more susceptible to damage, especially puncture.  Modern heavy-duty fabrics used in most serious inflatables are pretty good, but not comparable to a hard-shell boat by any stretch of the imagination.

They are easier to get right-side up and re-enter in most capsize situations, however.  Unless you are using a hard-shell kayak with a spray skirt and know how to eskimo-roll, they are generally better and safer if that regard.

Answer 2

yes they are useful but not practical for prefessional use.

i find them fun to use in the sea and on lakes

Answer 3

there good, but easier to use then normal canoe