School me on buying a used canoe

[wesel123]

My little is a strong swimmer now and I would like to buy a used canoe ($150 to $400 range locally)

What kinds of things should I look out for, other than the obvious cosmetic or structural stuff. I'm more concerned about what length I should get, what materials (fiber glass, plastic, aluminum and so on).

[FAW3]

I bought an Old Town Penobscot style hull (labeled for sale by L.L.B) 16' Royalex canoe about 5 years ago off Craigslist. Well used, but cared for. After cleaning it up and studying the HIN...it was made in 1979. We still use it, I replaced the gunnels with wood and changed the mid thwart to a portage type, added some floataton, recaned seats. This old canoe is a keeper...with the wooden gunnels it looks great! So I guess this proves you can buy a quality item...take care of it (previous owner(s) and me...and it can last a hell of a long time.

Also have had a Kevlar canoe, and an old Grumman.

I suggest checking Craigslist and going used if saviing $ a priority...

Here is what I can put down in brief, as a mildly experienced flatwater and mild river water canoe user:

First: no canoe ever gets lighter with YOUR advancing age. Canoes of the same general hull length and shape can vary in weight from mid 40# Kevlar, 50# Royalex, to 65+# PVC variants. Go mid weight or light...you will regret a heavy canoe every time to load/carry it. Buying used from a river runner or park authority almost is a sure bet heavy boat.
Second: Most canoes are in the range of 15-16' and will carry if loaded/ballasted properly (people, gear, or whatever) one, two or three persons. I am glad I have a 16'. My kevlar canoe was 14', fast, but limited in carrying ability if 2 persons aboard.
Third: Aluminium is typically hot, reflective, and noisey & rugged, fairly easy to repair small leaks. Royalex is nice...has held up well and handles our abuse well. Low noise and not hot in hot and not too cold in cold. Sensitive to prolonged UV exposure and can crack at very cold temps (below say 0F). Kevlar that I had was covered with a very nice gelcoat and was a looker...but not for rocks or kid use. Repair can be a challenge (at least for me).
Fourth: Good paddles and Paddlesport PFD's are a must. Forget the cheap paddles...get good paddles that fit. PFD's for paddle sports have good venting and big arm holes so as to not interfer and bind arms/shoulders.

Photo shows the 16' royalex made in '79. Yellow "bags" in ends are floatation bags. Yellow big thing near middle is a WalMart waterproof storage bag, about $12.00...keeps the gear dry. IF solo and ballast needed..I fill one with river water and place for balance.

canoe1.jpg

[Michael Slade]

Some thoughts:

Aluminum canoes are cold as sin when you're sitting in them. Also, if you're fishing they transmit the tiniest noise into the water very, very well. Also when you bang against the sides when you're paddling (occasionally we all get sloppy/lazy), it's loud and broadcasts across whatever lake you're on. Pros? They're cheap, can be fixed with a pop can and some duct tape easily (temp fix mind you...). They're also shiny and hard to be in if you have light sensitive eyes like me (what can I say I'm a delicate flower).

Plastic canoes are not very strong and usually have an inner frame in them to give them strength and shape. That inner frame is usually made out of aluminum tubing and they are hard to sit in on the floor and be comfortable. That doesn't happen often, but it might be something to think about. They aren't as cold to sit in, the reflection issue isn't there, but they aren't as strong if you move things about in them. They usually don't have nearly as many variations as far as shape is concerned. They are not as light as an aluminum canoe. Aesthetically they are ugly as sin...I actually prefer an aluminum canoe to a plastic one, all things considered.

Fiberglass canoes have a huge range of shape, sizes and features. You are also getting into a segment of the market that is more expensive than plastic/aluminum canoes. They are difficult to repair but are wonderful to sit in and easy to load. They are quiet in the water and a joy to paddle (I am a bit of a snob). The canoe I have is made by Navarro and has cherry ribs and is the Loon 16 model in red. It has cherry ribs with a fiberglass hull. It is beautiful to look at (and that matters to me somehow).

What is also important to consider is the type of water you'll paddle on most, lakes, rivers, etc... Also what do you plan to carry in it, how much, how long, etc... These variables will help you decide what shape you want your canoe to have. If you don't know these things and are a first-time canoe purchaser, then do yourself a favor and read some books, join some forums, rent some canoes and just get out. You'll find what you like, discover what your budget is and you'll be more informed about your purchase.

Another thing to consider, which IMO is as important as the canoe, is the paddle you will choose. There are a LOT of them, shapes vary, angles vary, price-points vary. Have fun looking at them.

PFD's are another thing to think about. I don't have any, realize it's probably not the choice most others would make, but that's me. I only canoe in flat water with no wind and that's that.

You will love canoeing.

[wesel123]

We are looking at canoeing in local lakes, not to many long flowing river near LA.

The aluminum ones I have seen are cheaper but I totally for got about how hot and noisy they get.

I'd love to find an older fiberglass or similar material. The search will continue.

We are looking at something like this

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/3090641153.html

[Michael Slade]

That is a perfect starter canoe. Take cash, offer him $300 and have him throw in some beater paddles.

I think it's interesting you and FAW3 have memories of the aluminum canoes being hot. I learned to paddle in northern Utah and only remember them being cold.

That's a sweet little Old Town. They are classic canoes. You cannot go wrong with one of them.

[wesel123]

That's good to hear. My little one and I are actually heading up to the mountains in a few hours may just go pick this up.


Its funny I actually got my paddling merit badge on an Aluminum boat and remember HATING to pick it to take to the water...always burned my hands.

Oh found these paddles to:
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/spo/3081915469.html

[Michael Slade]

Those paddles are way too long for a canoe. They are designed to be used on a Stand-up Paddleboard....IOW, you are standing on essentially a surf board and using that looooong paddle to move around with. The length is 52 inches and won't work for you. See if the seller has any paddles...I'll bet he does.

Pics when you get back!

[wesel123]

Sweet I thought 52" was too long. I emailed the owner well see what he says.

Thanks for the help Micheal!!!

[wesel123]

I forgot I was looking at this one as well. But I'm assuming fiberglass is the way to go.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/3067659105.html

[Michael Slade]

Oh I dunno...that Coleman has drink holders! I don't know if there's a particular 'way to go' on your first canoe. Just get whatever feels right knowing that you'll be able to sell it for pretty much what you put into it.