Re: [Paddlewise] Your Favorite Canoe(s)...?

Mark Lane "Sailboat Restorations, Inc." wrote:
> 
> While I'm on the subject of canoes, I'd like to solicit the opinions of
> anyone willing to offer them on the question of what canoes you like.
> 
> In planning some trips to northern lakes in Maine, we have decided that a
> canoe may be a better option in some cases than the kayaks.  ...<snip>...
> I looked at an Old Town Discovery
> 174 and was surprised at its price (under $800) for what seems like a pretty
> good, sturdy lake/river tripping canoe.  I'm also considering getting a solo
> canoe for the same kinds of trips that I might take by myself.  ...

For use on lakes, with some river use, I recommend that you focus on
composites (kevlar or fiberglass), particularly some of the Swift models
(more on these in a bit). You can get incredibly light kevlar boats that
are easy to portage, fun to paddle, beautiful, and reasonably robust. I
would stay away from the Old Town Discovery series. They are tough, but
weigh a ton. I once owned a Discovery 169 that oil-canned like crazy and
weighed 90 pounds (ugh!). Do not believe the manufacturer's weight
figures for these boats. Not a fun boat. I gave it away because I
couldn't bring myself to charge for it.  The cross-link material they
use is not a good substitiute for Royalex (IMHO). 

So what do I recommend for lake travel (with some river use)? I do not
paddle much flatwater, but based on my experience I would recommend a
number of Swift canoes designed by John Winters. (Ever heard of him? :-)
I once had the pleasure of paddling a kevlar Osprey (a solo design), and
what a delight it was! This is a boat that is guaranteed to put a smile
on your face! There is no greater compliment I can give a boat than
this. It is a joy to paddle, particularly in chop. I have to get one
someday. Here is some more info on the Osprey:

http://www.swiftcanoe.com/canoes/catalogue/osprey.htm

The Raven (another solo canoe designed by John Winters) is more oriented
towards river use--it is deeper with more volume and fuller ends. It is
also a wonderful boat. (I would get this one with the Expedition Kevlar
layup):

http://www.swiftcanoe.com/canoes/catalogue/Raven.htm

While I have less experience with tandem boats, it is my impression that
some of the Swift tandem boats are also superb. I suggest that you
should give these a try before making a final decision. Also check out
Bell Canoe, which has some excellent designs:

http://www.bellcanoe.com/

You may also want to try We-no-nah (www.wenonah.com), although I think
that the Swift boats are the best. Of course that is just my opinion,
and if we were talking whitewater playboats I would have a different set
of recommendations. The bottom line is that you should try as many boats
as possible before you decide. And have fun! 

Dan Hagen
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************