What kind of canoe is preferred? I grew up using an old fiberglass canoe that was heavy, leaked, and stable as a rock (bad analogy for a water craft). I've since been using a royalex canoe in the Bondary Waters and they are pretty durable and decently light. I have yet to try out kevlar.
What canoe would you prefer? What canoe would you use with teenagers? What canoe is the best bang for your buck?
I like the Old Town
Thursday May 3rd 2007I like the Old Town Penobscot 17 in Royalex myself. I own 2 of them. We go to the BWCA at least once per year and they have held up very well for the past 7 years. The royalex to me seems to slide over the many rocks in the BWCA as well as bouncing off them with minimal damage. My 3 girls and wife are not the best at steering clear of the rocks. I have used an aluminum as well as the Souri River light weight and still prefer my Old Towns. I think Royalex feels better and makes less noise when you move around inside the canoe. The Souri River makes me feel funny because you can see the water line through the hull of the canoe. Don't get me wrong they are tough, it just gives me a funny feeling. Never used a Kevlar but they would have to be good. Pricey but good. To sum it up, for the money, weight and durability I say Royalex.
Royalex
Thursday May 3rd 2007I'd have to agree with moosegut, the Royalex do hold up great and they are light enough to portage a couple miles a day. We use some MadRiver Royalex canoes and they withstand the mild punishment that we give them. I've never used a Kevlar, but I'm suspect if I had money flowing out of my pockets I'd go with Kevlar.
There is a reason most of
Monday May 7th 2007There is a reason most of the outfitters recommend kevlar. Kevlar canoes also hold their value pretty well too.
I'll keep my Alumacraft
Friday May 30th 2008I have a circa 1980 Alumacraft Quetico 17 that I was able to convince my dad to part with. He rarely used it, so it was in immaculate condition when I got it. I've used it for a good 20 trips over the past 10 years. Its got a few bumps and bruises, but it's still going strong and should last me another 20+ years. I like it for its weight (~60lbs with yoke pads), gear capacity (+800bs), tracking (keel), and durability (no leaks yet).
I have a couple of other canoes: An older aluminum Grumman, which is an excellent lake canoe, but a little to heavy at around 80lbs for long portages (especially if you like to single trip). I also have a Rolex Old Town Penobscot, and I took it for one trip. It's a brute (~90lbs) and doesn't track well if there is any wind. It's indestructible and I primarily use it for rivers. I rented a Kevlar 19' Winona once. It was lightweight (~50lbs) and tracked well, but wasn't a comfortable paddle for the front person due to the narrow bow.
My wife always ask, why do I need so may canoes, and I ask her why does she needs so many shoes. I think it comes down to some canoes fit the job better, but above all, you use what is comfortable. Kind of like shoes.
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