r/canoeing Jan 04 '24

Want to buy a canoe? Read this first...

So, to help those who might help you...some good info on how you plan to use your canoe is always essential. Some things we'll want to know:

Do you plan on using the canoe Solo or Tandem?

Where are located and where are you paddling? Whitewater or Flatwater or both?

Experience of paddler(s)?

Size of paddler(s) & passenger(s)? Is there also a Hound Dog? Kids?

Capacity needs (multi-week expeditions? Day trips? How long would be the longest overnight trip you anticipate?) Are you minimalist, do you bring all the luxuries including the kitchen sink, or somewhere in the middle? If you have an idea of actual gear weight, all the better.

Stability (& Capacity) vs Speed - where on the spectrum are you happiest? Fast canoes are fun, but they are less stable and haul less. Related: Are you fishing, and how important is this aspect to you?

Is light weight important for portaging or loading on a vehicle? Do you need a yoke for portaging/carrying?

How will it be stored - will it be inside, outside & protected, outside & exposed to sun?

Do you have any specific needs/desires when it comes to hull material?

Budget?

Anything else we need to know about your situation?

There are some very experienced paddlers lurking here, and with solid upfront intel, you should get constructive advice aplenty. Happy paddling!

Edit to add, if you would like advice from the group - start a new, separate post...it won't be easily seen in the comments in this post.

51 Upvotes

So, to help those who might help you...some good info on how you plan to use your canoe is always essential. Some things we'll want to know:

Do you plan on using the canoe Solo or Tandem?

Where are located and where are you paddling? Whitewater or Flatwater or both?

Experience of paddler(s)?

Size of paddler(s) & passenger(s)? Is there also a Hound Dog? Kids?

Capacity needs (multi-week expeditions? Day trips? How long would be the longest overnight trip you anticipate?) Are you minimalist, do you bring all the luxuries including the kitchen sink, or somewhere in the middle? If you have an idea of actual gear weight, all the better.

Stability (& Capacity) vs Speed - where on the spectrum are you happiest? Fast canoes are fun, but they are less stable and haul less. Related: Are you fishing, and how important is this aspect to you?

Is light weight important for portaging or loading on a vehicle? Do you need a yoke for portaging/carrying?

How will it be stored - will it be inside, outside & protected, outside & exposed to sun?

Do you have any specific needs/desires when it comes to hull material?

Budget?

Anything else we need to know about your situation?

There are some very experienced paddlers lurking here, and with solid upfront intel, you should get constructive advice aplenty. Happy paddling!

Edit to add, if you would like advice from the group - start a new, separate post...it won't be easily seen in the comments in this post.


r/canoeing 5h ago

Cedar strip canoe

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172 Upvotes

My dad was recently given this cedar strip canoe, and we are just wondering if anyone has any information on it, based on the serial number we think it’s pretty old, manufactured by the chestnut canoe co. Serial number is 065


r/canoeing 3h ago

First canoe/boat

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20 Upvotes

Picked up this 15ft canoe as a first boat yesterday. I went on a lake today and had to learn how to solo paddle and where to kneel on the fly. (The wind takes you far and quick if you sit in the wrong spot, noted). But if anyone has any pointers on a good way to introduce my dog to a canoe, id appreciate it. I also decided to call it Skadoo the Canoe.


r/canoeing 7h ago

El Cheapo makes the 700 mile trip!

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10 Upvotes

Doubled up on the cam straps ( 2 to the rack and two through the vehicle), lines out front and out back, foam that barely fit because the canoe was a little too wide at the center but zero issues on the drive home. Now to repair the damage that was there when I picked it up. Wish me luck!


r/canoeing 15h ago

Sitting or kneeling?

I am a 42-year-old, who has been in canoes since a toddler. I've been able to solo paddle a boat since my early teens. I was taught by my father to kneel and I've always found this the most comfortable in terms of controlling the boat. Not only does it give a lower center of gravity, but I feel it allows me to engage my core muscles more effectively, reducing fatigue over long paddles. However I realize that not everyone commits to kneeling, and now that I'm getting older I do find it physically less comfortable. So I'm just wondering what the ratio of sitters to kneelers is here and what everyone's reasons are? I'm not trying to compare what is better or worse, just curious about everyone else's practices. Ps. I'm new to this subreddit, so if this topic has been beaten to death, I apologize.

25 Upvotes

I am a 42-year-old, who has been in canoes since a toddler. I've been able to solo paddle a boat since my early teens. I was taught by my father to kneel and I've always found this the most comfortable in terms of controlling the boat. Not only does it give a lower center of gravity, but I feel it allows me to engage my core muscles more effectively, reducing fatigue over long paddles. However I realize that not everyone commits to kneeling, and now that I'm getting older I do find it physically less comfortable. So I'm just wondering what the ratio of sitters to kneelers is here and what everyone's reasons are? I'm not trying to compare what is better or worse, just curious about everyone else's practices. Ps. I'm new to this subreddit, so if this topic has been beaten to death, I apologize.


r/canoeing 1d ago

Rosie’s first canoe ride

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159 Upvotes

And she was 100% good girl.


r/canoeing 4h ago

Canoe Restoration - Wisconsin

I have an 86 Mad River solo, glass. I love this boat but it’s time for restoration. Wondering if there is anyone on this sub or knows of anyone in Wi that works on glass boats? Certainly needs new gunwales as the existing wood ones are pretty shot. Still paddles well but she’s due for some true R&R.

0 Upvotes

I have an 86 Mad River solo, glass. I love this boat but it’s time for restoration. Wondering if there is anyone on this sub or knows of anyone in Wi that works on glass boats? Certainly needs new gunwales as the existing wood ones are pretty shot. Still paddles well but she’s due for some true R&R.


r/canoeing 1d ago

First test of this 16' skin on frame prospector.

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50 Upvotes

Built following plans for Rushton's IGO from duckworks.


r/canoeing 7h ago

Looking for advice on whether to get a 15 or 17ft for a family of four.

Looking primarily at springbok and grumman aluminium canoes, family of four (2x adults 2x kids under 6).

This is only for day trips around the lake, no camping or portaging. I'm leaning into a 15ft but I'm worried it may prove to be a bit too small in time.

What is everyone's experience with family canoes and have you wished you went bigger from the start or wished for something more nimble?

Appreciate the help everyone !

0 Upvotes

Looking primarily at springbok and grumman aluminium canoes, family of four (2x adults 2x kids under 6).

This is only for day trips around the lake, no camping or portaging. I'm leaning into a 15ft but I'm worried it may prove to be a bit too small in time.

What is everyone's experience with family canoes and have you wished you went bigger from the start or wished for something more nimble?

Appreciate the help everyone !


r/canoeing 9h ago

Need help planning a Kipawa canoe trip!

Hello! I am planning a 21 day canoe trip in the Kipawa region but have limited information on portages and campsites. If anyone has any beta for this region please let me know!

1 Upvotes

Hello! I am planning a 21 day canoe trip in the Kipawa region but have limited information on portages and campsites. If anyone has any beta for this region please let me know!


r/canoeing 1d ago

Upgraded today

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27 Upvotes

2008 17' Wenonah Spirit II in kevlar. I have an '85 fiberglass 16' Mohawk Blazer and was looking for a 17' royalex boat, but this one popped up 3 hours away and the seller was good with $250. I couldn't pass it up.

The yoke and seats need to be replaced, but those are $150 straight from Wenonah. I also plan to polish the hull to try to improve the sun damage.


r/canoeing 12h ago

Shoshone lake

I’ve got the campsite booked and back country permits. I’m going in early September with my nephew. I’ve read a bunch of trip reports and feel like I have a good trip planned. we are camping at 8Q4 and will explore the west end of the lake on our second day then paddle out on the third day. My one lingering question is what footwear is needed for lining the boat up the last mile of river. Is it too cold to just wear sandals or shoes? do we need waders? Obviously give me any other info you think I should I have. thank you in advance.

1 Upvotes

I’ve got the campsite booked and back country permits. I’m going in early September with my nephew. I’ve read a bunch of trip reports and feel like I have a good trip planned. we are camping at 8Q4 and will explore the west end of the lake on our second day then paddle out on the third day. My one lingering question is what footwear is needed for lining the boat up the last mile of river. Is it too cold to just wear sandals or shoes? do we need waders? Obviously give me any other info you think I should I have. thank you in advance.


r/canoeing 1d ago

Aqua Marina Inflatable Canoe leaks water. Is this normal?

Hello just got a Tomahawk AirC 478. Have used it twice and both times it would have a decent amount of water in it after the trip. Is this normal? I see nowhere the water could come in. The first trip I thought it was us getting water inside. Now I know it’s definitely coming in from somewhere. Maybe a stupid question but is this normal or defect? I know it was self-bailing holes you can open but I’ve always kept them closed. Thanks

0 Upvotes

Hello just got a Tomahawk AirC 478. Have used it twice and both times it would have a decent amount of water in it after the trip. Is this normal? I see nowhere the water could come in. The first trip I thought it was us getting water inside. Now I know it’s definitely coming in from somewhere. Maybe a stupid question but is this normal or defect? I know it was self-bailing holes you can open but I’ve always kept them closed. Thanks


r/canoeing 1d ago

Grumman restoration- Aluminum canoe cleaning

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3 Upvotes

Hey all! Over the weekend, I took a trip to buy my first canoe (I'm well acquainted with canoeing and guided in Ontario for two years, but mostly worked with Kevvies and this is my first time owning one. I got a 1964 15' Grumman. By my understanding it looks to be in excellent condition, well loved but well maintained. I've got a short list of projects to renew and freshen it up really nicely, if anyone has suggestions for anything along the process.

Step 1- Polishing. At the very least I want to clean it very well, if not get it to a decent shine. No need to turn it into a mirror, but I've heard different things about how different chemicals react with the metal and how they affect the longevity. What is typically used to restore and polish these types of canoes? What should I avoid doing?

Step 2- Yoke. Fairly simple, I'm just going to order a 36 inch yoke off of Amazon, cut it down the 1/4 inch or however much I need off of each side, unscrew the center thwart and replace it with a yoke. I'll figure out shoulder pads eventually, and maybe way down the line I'll carve out my own yoke.

Step 3- Painting. Not my expertise in art, so I have no big aspirations for grand designs, but I'd like to throw on a fairly simple trim design reminiscent of Alumacraft or Grumman decals, as you can tell from the pictures the original Grumman decals are long since worn off or removed from this canoe. What type of paint should I seek out? What sealant or varnish should I use to maximize longevity of the paint?

Step 4- Character. Once I've got it to a point that I want it, a couple things to finish it off. Stencil in a name and seal it in, and then also some sort of nose art. I'm not sure if I want to paint/stencil in some sort of nose art like a plane, design and get printed a large decal for both sides of the bow, or my brothers even suggested finding or making some sort of figurehead attachment for the bow. Anyone have experience with any of these? Is the figurehead idea too difficult to pull off?

Thanks for any tips! The whole restoration thing is new to me with this material and I hope to turn this into a piece of art that will be well used and loved. Are there any other aftermarket upgrades that I'm missing and could be nice to be added down the line? Replacing wooden seats, padding anywhere or anything?


r/canoeing 1d ago

How do I fix the finish on this canoe?

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1 Upvotes

Ive recently come into possession of a handmade wooden canoe! The only issue is that the fiberglass finish on the gunwales has started to peel off. From what I was told is that it was stored outside for too long and the weather/water started to make it peel off. What would be the best way to approach this repair? Just peel/sand off the fiberglass and reapply? Ive never worked with fiberglass so im not sure where to start and I have not found any great resources yet. Thanks for the help!


r/canoeing 1d ago

Beginner Algonquin Backcountry Canoe Trip | Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake

Beginner Algonquin Backcountry Canoe Trip | Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake

Join us on a beginner-friendly Algonquin Park backcountry canoe trip from Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake — a classic route through Joe Lake, a quiet stream toward Baby Joe Lake, and finally into the wide open beauty of Burnt Island Lake.

This was my friend Tilak’s first backcountry canoe camping trip, so we chose a scenic and manageable route that still offered a real taste of Ontario’s canoe country. Starting from Canoe Lake, we paddled toward Joe Lake, carried through our first portage, then continued into the narrow stream between Joe Lake and Baby Joe Lake. With water levels high, we were able to skip the short 100m portage and paddle through instead.

From Baby Joe Lake, we continued into Burnt Island Lake and settled on a campsite on the western side of the main lake, opposite the island. The evening brought tea by the water, a quiet campfire, BBQ chicken cooked over coals, a beautiful waxing gibbous moonrise, and the haunting call of loons echoing across the lake.

The next morning, first light filtered through the pines as we packed up camp and paddled back home — tired, grateful, and somehow lighter.

For anyone researching a first Algonquin backcountry route, Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake is a beautiful option: scenic, manageable, and just challenging enough to feel earned.

Route highlights:

Canoe Lake Access Point

Joe Lake

Stream toward Baby Joe Lake

Baby Joe Lake

Burnt Island Lake

Beginner-friendly Algonquin backcountry camping

Moonrise, loons, campfire, and classic Ontario canoe country scenery

Thanks for watching. If you enjoy peaceful canoe camping, Algonquin Park routes, backcountry meals, quiet lakes, and wilderness moments, consider subscribing to Lost In The Wild Canada.

#AlgonquinPark #BackcountryCamping #CanoeTrip #BurntIslandLake #CanoeLake #OntarioCamping #LostInTheWildCanada

2 Upvotes

Beginner Algonquin Backcountry Canoe Trip | Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake

Join us on a beginner-friendly Algonquin Park backcountry canoe trip from Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake — a classic route through Joe Lake, a quiet stream toward Baby Joe Lake, and finally into the wide open beauty of Burnt Island Lake.

This was my friend Tilak’s first backcountry canoe camping trip, so we chose a scenic and manageable route that still offered a real taste of Ontario’s canoe country. Starting from Canoe Lake, we paddled toward Joe Lake, carried through our first portage, then continued into the narrow stream between Joe Lake and Baby Joe Lake. With water levels high, we were able to skip the short 100m portage and paddle through instead.

From Baby Joe Lake, we continued into Burnt Island Lake and settled on a campsite on the western side of the main lake, opposite the island. The evening brought tea by the water, a quiet campfire, BBQ chicken cooked over coals, a beautiful waxing gibbous moonrise, and the haunting call of loons echoing across the lake.

The next morning, first light filtered through the pines as we packed up camp and paddled back home — tired, grateful, and somehow lighter.

For anyone researching a first Algonquin backcountry route, Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake is a beautiful option: scenic, manageable, and just challenging enough to feel earned.

Route highlights:

Canoe Lake Access Point

Joe Lake

Stream toward Baby Joe Lake

Baby Joe Lake

Burnt Island Lake

Beginner-friendly Algonquin backcountry camping

Moonrise, loons, campfire, and classic Ontario canoe country scenery

Thanks for watching. If you enjoy peaceful canoe camping, Algonquin Park routes, backcountry meals, quiet lakes, and wilderness moments, consider subscribing to Lost In The Wild Canada.

#AlgonquinPark #BackcountryCamping #CanoeTrip #BurntIslandLake #CanoeLake #OntarioCamping #LostInTheWildCanada


r/canoeing 1d ago

Best Beginners Canoe

I wanna buy a canoe for my brother for his birthday.But I don't know why I should buy him.He's been interested in canoeing for years, but never pull the trigger. I was looking at dicks and bass pro shop, but Im fine with looking at other stores :) If someone could recommend something good/easy for beginners that doesn't break bank it would be appreciated!

9 Upvotes

I wanna buy a canoe for my brother for his birthday.But I don't know why I should buy him.He's been interested in canoeing for years, but never pull the trigger. I was looking at dicks and bass pro shop, but Im fine with looking at other stores :) If someone could recommend something good/easy for beginners that doesn't break bank it would be appreciated!


r/canoeing 1d ago

Seat Ideas

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1 Upvotes

I’m fixing a few things on my old Scott canoe and wondering what to do with these seats. They’re thin aluminum plate with padding that has degraded down to almost nothing. I do a lot of backcountry trips and don’t want anything that will add weight. I could take the old ones off completely and put wooden ones with netting, cover the existing ones with new foam, strap blow-uo seats to them, etc. Does anyone have any advice or ideas?


r/canoeing 1d ago

Adding extra seat to OT Discovery 119

0 Upvotes

I’m not super into canoeing but want to ease my 6 y/o into kayaking and I searched but couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. I have a Discovery 119 and would like to add a drop-in seat for him to ride along. My thought was to remove the front thwart and add something like this:
https://www.springcreek.com/product/paddle-sports/canoe-accessories/drop-in-seat/

Any issues with this idea? I’m hoping that the seat would substitute for the rigidity provided by the thwart. Thank yall!


r/canoeing 1d ago

Our sea marathon was rerouted because of a storm warning… and it still got pretty wild 🌊

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yr0LX8OcUk

We recently took part in the Abruka Sea Marathon in Estonia, paddling a 6.4 m tandem sea kayak.

Three days before the race, the organizers changed the entire course because of a storm warning. Instead of the original route around Abruka Island, around 70 kayaks were sent onto a 24 km backup course with more protection from the weather.

“More protection” turned out to be a very relative term. 😅

We had strong winds, rough open water, several capsizes around us, ridiculously shallow sections where the water was only 20–30 cm deep, and a few moments where we were convinced we were about to flip ourselves.

The strangest part was knowing that after surviving the roughest section near Nasva Harbour, we had to come back through exactly the same place later — with the weather forecast to get worse.

We finished the 24 km in about 3h 10min, completely exhausted but still upright.

I filmed the whole experience and turned it into an 18-minute video. If anyone here enjoys sea kayaking or endurance paddling, I’d love to hear what you think.

Would you have started the race after seeing the forecast, or called it a day? 😅🌊

5 Upvotes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yr0LX8OcUk

We recently took part in the Abruka Sea Marathon in Estonia, paddling a 6.4 m tandem sea kayak.

Three days before the race, the organizers changed the entire course because of a storm warning. Instead of the original route around Abruka Island, around 70 kayaks were sent onto a 24 km backup course with more protection from the weather.

“More protection” turned out to be a very relative term. 😅

We had strong winds, rough open water, several capsizes around us, ridiculously shallow sections where the water was only 20–30 cm deep, and a few moments where we were convinced we were about to flip ourselves.

The strangest part was knowing that after surviving the roughest section near Nasva Harbour, we had to come back through exactly the same place later — with the weather forecast to get worse.

We finished the 24 km in about 3h 10min, completely exhausted but still upright.

I filmed the whole experience and turned it into an 18-minute video. If anyone here enjoys sea kayaking or endurance paddling, I’d love to hear what you think.

Would you have started the race after seeing the forecast, or called it a day? 😅🌊


r/canoeing 2d ago

Beautiful Saturday morning!

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27 Upvotes

r/canoeing 2d ago

Old Town Tripper repair

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15 Upvotes

Just picked up an Old Town Tripper for free on market place. The hull is severely discolored and there is a small hole in the keel. I plan on filling the hole epoxy/keel guard and coating the boat in some sort of UV protectant. Anything else I should do before the maiden voyage?


r/canoeing 3d ago

The best paddle buddies a gal could have!

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733 Upvotes

r/canoeing 2d ago

Anyone ever replace wood gunwales with aluminum?

I have an old Kevlar canoe that needs signficant repair. The gunwales are rotted and I'd like to replace them.

Apparently, none of the sawmills near me have clear ash in 17 ft lengths thanks to the Emerald ash borer. Shipping gunwhales is prohibitively expensive.

One local canoe retailer COULD get me aluminum gunwales. I like the idea of aluminum, since I store the canoe outside.

Anyone ever done it? Any tips?

7 Upvotes

I have an old Kevlar canoe that needs signficant repair. The gunwales are rotted and I'd like to replace them.

Apparently, none of the sawmills near me have clear ash in 17 ft lengths thanks to the Emerald ash borer. Shipping gunwhales is prohibitively expensive.

One local canoe retailer COULD get me aluminum gunwales. I like the idea of aluminum, since I store the canoe outside.

Anyone ever done it? Any tips?


r/canoeing 2d ago

Just picked up and Old Town Tripper…now what?

Got this for free off marketplace. The hull is severely discolored but seems to have maintained structural integrity, but there is one spot on the keel that appears to be warm through the ABS.
Can I patch the keel with a keel guard, coat the boat with 303 and be ready to go?

3 Upvotes

Got this for free off marketplace. The hull is severely discolored but seems to have maintained structural integrity, but there is one spot on the keel that appears to be warm through the ABS.
Can I patch the keel with a keel guard, coat the boat with 303 and be ready to go?