Good canoe? - DPChallenge Forums

07/16/2006 02:20:19 AM · #1

I was thinking of getting into doing some canoeing ... like rivers, lakes, etc...Anyway, is this one any good:

Sevylor KCC305HF

//www.onlinesports.com/pages/I,SEV-KCC305HF.html

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I'll actually probably end up going once, hating it, and then the thing will sit in my garage for an eternity...well, either that, or I'll really enjoy it, I don't know.

How fast can you go on one like that one I posted...Obviously it's going to depend on the person, but say you're pretty physically fit...we talking a 3 mph crawl, or could I see speeds of like 10, 20? I have no clue. Also, if you were going down-river, is it possible to row back up the river? lol

Thanks.

07/16/2006 02:27:12 AM · #2

Dave, why not rent a canoe a couple times first. See if you like it. Then if you do you can go out and spend the money for one of your own

07/16/2006 02:32:08 AM · #3

Originally posted by ShutterPug:

Dave, why not rent a canoe a couple times first. See if you like it. Then if you do you can go out and spend the money for one of your own

I'm not that smart. Where do you rent one at anyway?

I'm thinking the inflatable ones are cheaper than the 'real' ones??? Are they just as fast, etc?

DjFenzl

07/16/2006 02:34:00 AM · #4

Just look in the yellow pages (assuming you have water near you) - the inflatable will likely be slower.

I'd highly recommend you check out Kayaks too - especially if you want to go a bit faster.

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 02:34:42.

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

07/16/2006 02:42:23 AM · #5

I definately want to be able to go fast, but from what I've been reading, the canoes are better for starting out.

Aren't the kayaks more 'tipsy' -- I don't want to tip over haha.

I've read a lot and some people say the inflateables are just so versatile and they handle close to the same.

BeeCee

Nikon D40

07/16/2006 02:42:55 AM · #6

First, you don't "row" a canoe :P
Personally, I'm not a big fan of inflatables, especially if you plan to paddle alone. I've never actually used an inflatable canoe but had a boat. Any breeze just grabs it and we spent more time fighting that than going where we wanted to. They're also harder to move in, even to shift positions, because you don't have a firm bottom for resistance.
Inflating/deflating is also more of a pain than it would seem.

I also doubt they'd be as fast as a regular one. You'd be better off getting a second hand "real" canoe, in my opinion. But the rental thing is an excellent idea. Check the sporting stores in your area.

And do NOT go downriver without some training! Paddling is a much different animal than rowing, and there are several different strokes for different purposes. Rivers can take you by surprise, even if you're experienced.

How about one of these? :)
folding canoe

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 02:56:09.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

07/16/2006 02:44:11 AM · #7

You could also Google " canoe rentals Lac la Rubber Boot" or whatever the name of the place you live and it will give you some indication of what is available.

I would definitely recommend renting before buying for two reasons:

One... you might not enjoy canoeing, and
Two... these things are not cheap.

Good luck to you...

Ray

DjFenzl

07/16/2006 02:50:00 AM · #8

Let me just start out by saying it's been a long time since I've done much boating and there are much more qualified people on this topic than I.

Inflatables are more convenient to travel with however they aren't as convenient to boat with.

Kayaks can tip a bit more easily in some situations - although if you go out on a lake or some calm water while you are "learning" it shouldn't be a problem. Plus the double paddled oar of a Kayak will help you keep you balance. You can go much faster in a kayak and IMO have much more fun. there are open and closed kayaks depending on what you are looking for. I used an open plastic Kayak back in the day and had a blast :)

Years later I rented one and made the mistake of trying to take it out in the ocean. I got out about a mile ok. Almost died trying to come back though. No really, almost DIED. The type of water makes a HUGE difference.

Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited

07/16/2006 05:01:49 AM · #9

Dave,

you can rent canoes at many campgrounds. Just call some of the local campgrounds in your area and ask if they have canoe rentals - they may even have canoe lessons for beginners

Qiki

Fujifilm X100T

07/16/2006 09:53:16 AM · #10

Hi Dave,

I've been a regular paddler for several years and my personal view of inflatables is that they are fairly convenient but are not especially nice to paddle. In answer to your question about speed, if you can paddle any kayak at 10mph, you're a good chance of winning the next kayak marathon world championships. Your 3mph estimate is about right for the inflatable you're looking at and even that would take some effort!

Open canadian canoes are certainly flexible in the sense that you can move around in them and easily load them with gear, but they take a bit of skill to paddle well (especially alone) and obviously you and your gear are open to the elements. My recommedation would be a stable, plastic sea kayak, which if you choose carefully should give you plenty of watertight storage in the bow and stern and a smaller storage hatch, accessible from the cockpit, in which to keep your camera. Any good kayak store will have demo boats that you can borrow or hire to see if you like it and should be able to provide training as well. Training is important for safety (you gotta know what to do when the inevitible capsize does occur), but also to teach you a correct paddling technique. It's not hard to learn, but without it paddling is slow, harder work than it needs to be and not much fun.

PM me if you have any specific questions. I'd be happy to help introduce another newbie to a great sport. :)

Qiki.

lifternessjt

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

07/16/2006 10:20:34 AM · #11

David...
Oldtown...Website
You'll have it for the rest of your life.

07/16/2006 10:30:30 AM · #12

hrmm sounds good, thanks for the info. I guess I'll probably just look into renting one because that seems like the smart thing to do at first.

Anyone else with an opinion, feel free to post it up. Thanks.

jro320

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

07/16/2006 10:34:09 AM · #13

I agree with some of the other respondents--rent one first and see if you like it. I don't know where you live, but in many states there are canoe "trails" or state recreation areas that rent canoes. It also makes a difference what kind of canoeing you want to do. Lake canoes and white water canoes have different shaped hulls. How much stability do you want? Are you taking kids in the canoes?? You can also choose from different lengths. I would recommend 17' unless you want a shorter one for some reason. I found I liked river canoeing a lot more than lake canoeing and that dictated what I bought, but in doing river conoeing you need to either find a shuttle service (often the same people that rent canoes), or you need to have a friend and take two cars. Good luck!

BMacD

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

07/16/2006 10:38:32 AM · #14

Hi!

I have 4 canoes and a kayak, and paddle lakes, surf, creeks and white water. The best advice has already been given. Rent a bunch of different types and see what you are comfortable with. It's like buying a camera....we all have our own expectations for how we are going to use them.

PM me if you would like specific advice.

p.s. I'd stay away from inflatables...

Bruce

07/16/2006 10:40:39 AM · #15

OK cool, thanks. And yes, this would be a single-man operation.

07/16/2006 10:48:58 AM · #16

Originally posted by deapee:

OK cool, thanks. And yes, this would be a single-man operation.

hmmmm, so I guess I'm not gonna get invited to come along? :P

07/16/2006 10:51:16 AM · #17

Originally posted by ShutterPug:

Originally posted by deapee:
OK cool, thanks. And yes, this would be a single-man operation.

hmmmm, so I guess I'm not gonna get invited to come along? :P

If you buy a 2-man canoe, we can go together.

07/16/2006 10:55:38 AM · #18

Originally posted by deapee:

Originally posted by ShutterPug:

Originally posted by deapee:
OK cool, thanks. And yes, this would be a single-man operation.

hmmmm, so I guess I'm not gonna get invited to come along? :P

If you buy a 2-man canoe, we can go together.

well I know where we can rent one here in the U.P.

coronamv

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX DG HSM for Canon

07/16/2006 11:14:02 AM · #19

Question What kind of water enviroment are you looking to paddle? As far as canoes are concerned Oldtown is a good choice. Kayaks depending on water will create a few new obsticles. Even though they are more maneverable, they are not really fast compaired to a canoe because they track better. Of course I am not even bringing into the pic sea kayaks. Thats a whole different picture.

Flash

Nikon D700

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

07/16/2006 11:36:34 AM · #20

Originally posted by deapee:

I was thinking of getting into doing some canoeing ... like rivers, lakes, etc...Anyway, is this one any good:

Canoes have many characteristics built into them based on their primary use. River canoes typically have more curvature bow to stern to facilitae easier turning. Lake canoes typically have less, so that they can "track" easier crossing open water. The wind effect on bow height matters depending on what type of water you are paddling. The location of weight (gear) in the canoe is important so as to facilitate a proper "trim". If you are a soloists then do you want or need a tandem? Are you portaging this unit by yourself? If so, then some of the lightweight materials may be important.

I have a 17' Wenonah Kevlar Sundowner. It is a touring tandem, that can easily be used solo and can be carried efficiently (42 pounds). It is a Lake design so that it will track easier on open water. I also have a carbon fibre/graphite bent shaft paddle which makes paddling effortless. Canoeing from the kneeling position is much easier, in my opinion. Wenonah has some excellant solo hulls that are quite fast on the water.

Wenonah

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 11:39:11.

LoudDog

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/16/2006 11:51:40 AM · #21

If you are going solo, they make solo canoes that would work great. Thet are small light roomy and pricey though.

I'd recommend an Old Town Loon, or a Perception Swifty kayak. Both will be faster and more stable then a canoe and have a roomy cockpit so you'll have room for camera gear and what not. You should be able to find a used Swifty for under $200 (at least can here easily). Kayaks come in several classes including whitewater, playboats, touring, recreational... As a beginner, get a recreational as they are the cheapest and most stable. Avoid the whitewater and playboats because you will get wet in those!

If you really want a Canoe, the old coleman canoes are great if you can find one. The sell used today for the same or more that hey sold for new years ago, but they are still cheaper then any canoe as good or better. Canoe is like a tripod. THe more you pay, the bigger, more durable and or lighter it will be. CHeaper ones are less durable and heavy.

I think you got your answer on inflatables. I bought one, used it once and sold it. THey are slow and a pain in the butt to paddle (I had a nice sterns kayak). They are practically un-tip-able, but I'd never buy or recommend one to anyone that wanted to buy a boat unless the only thing you plan on doing is floating down a river.

Note: paddling is as addictive as photography. At one point I had 5 kayaks and a canoe. Today I'm down to four kayaks.

agenkin

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

Nikon MF Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 AIS

07/16/2006 12:43:05 PM · #22

I have been canoeing for the last seven years, going for extended trips (up to 10 days) into the back country. I do not recommend starting with solo canoeing. Steering a canoe takes a little skill (more so than a kayak). I recommend going a few times with a friend in a rented 2-person canoe. Unless you are going into big waves (and you shouldn't untill you are comfortable with handling the boat), try renting a smaller canoe, such as a 15' or 16' for two people, not longer than 14' for solo - they are easier to steer and the wind has less leverage with a shorter canoe.

If you do decide to go solo, I would pick up a book on solo canoeing so that you can read on the various kinds of strokes to steer the canoe and go effectively.

In a two-person canoe, until you learn effective J-stroke, the front person can be concerned with moving forward, while the back person worries mostly about steering. This is not efficient, as the back person often slows the canoe down, so he should master proper technique to steer without being a brake.

In a solo canoe the paddler can afford no luxury of such labour separation: every stroke must be effective, or else he'll be moving very slowly. Also, in a solo canoe, the paddler sits closer to the middle of the boat, and steering from this position takes more skill than when sitting in the back.

Canoes are generally better suited than kayaks for multi-day trips (unless you travel seas and really big lakes). For a one-day affair a kayak should be more enjoyable. A good kayak can go faster, is easier to maneuver, and, generally, easier to transport. Larning to paddle solo in a kaya is quite easy. And yes, the kayaks are more tipsy than canoes.

I generally rent 16' Kevlar canoes when I go on my trips. Plastic and fiberglass canoes are quite a bit heavier and often harder to handle. And you don't want to rent an aluminum canoe if you want to enjoy paddling.

Prism

Pentax K-30

Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR

07/16/2006 12:51:10 PM · #23

I used to have an inflatable kayak/canoe similar to the one you posted the link to. It is okay to paddle as long as there is no winds. I found that the inflated sides were bad for catching the wind and getting you pushed where you didn't want to go!

If you are planning solo trips, I have found that a lake kayak is much easier to manage on your own. You can stow any gear you want to take with you in the hatches and just keep the basic stuff in with you.

You may want to look into the existance of any canoe/kayak clubs in your area. These usually offer some kind of instruction for beginners and may also offer organized paddle trips.

coronamv