Good canoe? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

07/17/2006 01:20:31 AM · #26

Originally posted by BeeCee:

Originally posted by coronamv:
... And unless you plan on class 3 whitewater + don't get a high rocker but definantly no keel...

And before you ask, NO, you are NOT planning on class 3! ;)

LOL well I carry mine down class 3+ and a few 4's in a pelican dry box without any dificulty. Just roll up if you flip!

BeeCee

Nikon D40

07/17/2006 01:57:40 AM · #27

Originally posted by coronamv:

Originally posted by BeeCee:

Originally posted by coronamv:
... And unless you plan on class 3 whitewater + don't get a high rocker but definantly no keel...

And before you ask, NO, you are NOT planning on class 3! ;)

LOL well I carry mine down class 3+ and a few 4's in a pelican dry box without any dificulty. Just roll up if you flip!

Lol, I meant DeePee shouldn't even THINK about class 3 if he's never canoed! YOU are allowed ;) We ran class 3 only once... what a blast!

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

07/17/2006 07:30:01 AM · #28

Your absolutely right about that! Newbee on class three ends up in the sink drain. But he should buy a canoe or kayak that is capable of running class three for the future. A old town cascade if you can find one is a great boat. Dicovery 158 is also a good boat. Dagger Reflection again if you can find one..

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

07/17/2006 08:53:41 AM · #29

With 5 kayaks now, I've got quite a bit of paddling experience. I suggest renting several boats to determine which best suits you, whether it be canoe or kayak.

As far as inflatable kayaks go, there is definitely a need for one with the type of traveling that I do. I have this one and it works great for me. You commented that you thought that inflatables would be cheaper than rigid kayaks. If you go with a cheap inflatable, then I can almost guarantee that you will be disappointed.

This inflatable is used by the Canadian Coast Guard, is very rigid for an inflatable, and handles very well. It also stores small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on airlines.

But...you have to decide if you want to pay for this ease of transport and the hassle of setup (about 15 minutes worth). If not, then go with a hard plastic kayak. They are almost indestructible and very economical. I have several, and they are all 'sit-on-top' which makes for easy on and off. The downside is that you will get a little wet, so it's pretty much a warm weather kayak, although I have used them in temperatures in the 50's.

Also, regarding comments like "class three ends up in the drain", I don't think that you are looking for white water trips with a camera, so don't even consider that type of canoe or kayak.

Anyway, I have to get to work. If you need anymore information or direction, let me know. I could talk all day about my two favorite topics, photography and kayaking.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

07/17/2006 09:21:47 AM · #30

I kayak all the time, and having had both a canoe and kayaks, I find that the canoe was somewhat cumbersome and difficult. Kayaks, IMO, are far easier to manouver and transport. I can work mine into and out of all sorts of creeks and marshes. I have never had an issue with stability, or even worried about tipping it, and I have used mine in water rougher than it was intended. The only shortcoming of kayaks is that they generally cannot carry as much gear.

The one I have is similar to this, but an older model, in case you're interested: Walden Kayak

Whatever you decide, you should rent whatever you want to buy for an afternoon and give it a try, just like test driving a car.

LoudDog

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/17/2006 10:03:55 AM · #31

Originally posted by coronamv:

Ok I agree Winona makes good canoes,But coleman?

Ever own one? Not sure about the newer ones, but me and a friend both had older ones (he still has his). The plastic/composite is actually very durable and not too heavy. I beat the tar out of it for a couple of years, storing it in the hot AZ sun, and sold it for more then I paid for it. My friend uses his more then I used mine and he loves it. If you are looking for a starter Canoe I bet you can find a used Coleman for about $200. After a year or two when you start using it in rougher waters, you may want to upgrade, we took ours regularly down a rocky class II with no problems though. Cosmetic scratches on the bottom was the only damage. Class III, maybe not, but anything below class III it's great.

But I sold mine to fund kayaks... Much more fun. I'd compare the difference between a canoe and kayak to driving a van vs a sports car. Sometimes you need a van, but a sports car is a lot more fun.

07/17/2006 08:22:17 PM · #32

Nope only paddle quality canoes seen too many wrapped around trees busted in about a thousand pieces. Old town Dagger and Mohawk prefered Now that dagger quit making canoes you can still get their designs bell bought the molds from them. I'm primary a whitewater Kayaker paddle a wavesport Super Ez and a Liquid Logic Gus. I'm a big guy need the weight limit. Don't get me wrong lots of people buy colemans but not for whitewater. Its a serious risk of getting pinned inside one if it wraps something. They would be fine for a lake, just don't hold up compared to other brands. Also you can find used Old towns for $200-$500 all day long.