What Kind of Canoe Should I Get?

Question

I'm looking at canoes but i've never gone canoeing before and i don't knowwhat to look for in a canoe. Any suggestions? THANKS!

Answer 1

You should rent one or borrow one to see if you like them.  I had a canoe and it was great but I found I could no longer keep my left knee tucked under and sitting up on a raised seat made me too top heavy.  Went to a sit on top kayak, a fishing style that has dry storage hatches.  I don't think I would go back to a canoe unless I wanted to tour and had another person to go with me.  You can get canoe-yaks now that are  plastic injection molded boats that look more like a canoe but are lower riding and you sit upright with your legs in front of you.  Get a copy of Canoe & Kayak magazine someplace and you will see what is available.  Always wear your PFD (no exceptions) and see ya on the water!

Answer 2

Since you are not mentioning whitewater or rivers, I am assuming that you will be looking at a canoe primarily for lakes and maybe a quiet river.

There really isn't that much of a difference for easy paddling.  A canoe with a more pronounced keel will help with keeping straight.  A wider flat bottom helps with tippyness.

A lot depends on your and your canoe partner's skill.  

There is also a wide difference in weight, which may make a difference if you will need to carry it very far or have problems carrying heavy things.  However less weight costs a lot more.

Aluminum is almost indestructable.  It will show dents but can be stored outside with no degredation due to sun and weather.

If there is time and an outdoors store near you, ask if they have a paddle day.  That way you can get a chance to try out several styles and see if one works better for you.

If there is a club near you, you may be able to get a chance to try out various canoes with the members and maybe even pick up some extra training in the process.

Answer 3

If you've never gone canoeing before - definitely find a place that rents them, and try it out.  Demo days at paddling shops are a great way to do that.  

A lot of proper boat selection centers on one major question:  What will you do MOST of the time?   (e.g., will you paddle alone most of the time, or with another adult?  With a child?  and WHERE will you paddle?)  These things will help you determine boat length, width (it's hard to paddle a wide boat alone), and hull shape (maneuverability vs straight line tracking).

Check out this site:

http://www.paddling.net/dealers/

and search for a shop near you.  If there isn't one in your town, it would be well worth the time it takes to drive to a shop that is an hour or two away to spend a day talking to the salesperson, and test paddling different boats.  Call ahead and tell them what you're interested in; most reputable shops will pull out a handful of boats for you to try that are in the price range and function that you're after.  

The paddling.net site is full of great information on paddling technique, hull shapes, and terminology.  Read up and learn as much as you can:

http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showC...

The message board forums on the site can be searched and you'll find all kinds of people who started out just like you - asking for boat recommendations:  

http://www.paddling.net/message/showThre...

http://www.paddling.net/message/showThre...

http://www.paddling.net/message/showThre...

http://www.paddling.net/message/showThre...

Good luck- and have fun!