Questions about canoes...?

Question

I took a week-long canoe course as a kid and have gone a couple times since then. But I have been in years now. I'd like to buy a small canoe suitable for solo-use. What features, brands, specs should I be looking for? What's an ideal weight of a canoe for solo portages once I decide to go out into the wilds? Lastly, is a calm lake or river backwaters a good place to become reacquainted with using a canoe? Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't know if they're still around , but I've got a 16 ft. Oscoda Sport. Fiberglass, about 80 lbs. no keel ridge so is very maneuverable, bit tippy at first but darn near impossible to capsize, easy to paddle. Just a all around fun canoe.Calm lakes and river backwaters should be fine.

Answer 2

If you're getting a canoe for solo use, you might as well just get a kayak.

Canoes and kayaks come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  The longer, the more shallow the draft (typically)...the wider the more stable with less roll.  

A flat body of water helps you get to know how the boat will act, without the effect of current.  Going downstream with current makes the boat roll less and is therefore more stable.

I wouldn't want to do a very long portage with a boat over 60 or 70 pounds...but can do short ones with 90 pounds.

Answer 3

Go to your local bass pro shop or gander mountain.... they can help