what should i know about buying a canoe?

Question

plastic, fiberglass, aluminum whats best, new or used, and any other ideas or suggestions would be great.

new or used, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass. there alot of little lakes here. and i would like to take the family to and just paddle around maybe do a little fishing.

Answer 1

in order to answer your question, much more info is needed. how do you plan on using your boat? there are different types of canoes depending on your particular use intentions. many materials are available and all good for some applications where others are better for a particular use. depending on whether you are basically floating calm water as in a lake, or screaming through class IV whitewater, both the materials and design differ greatly. i suggest you start with a used boat after checking out the local sports shops for the ones most popular in your area before making a purchase. it would also be a good idea to enroll in a boater safety course and in a basic canoeing course if you are an inexperienced or beginner paddler. the size of your boat would probably also be a consideration as important as the materials depending on whether you intend to solo or tandem paddle. there are many options available; so, again i would suggest checking with your local sports stores before you jump into the wrong one by mistake. canoeing is a wonderful pastime if properly outfitted and a nightmare if it is started wrong. don't be in a hurry to purchase right away. there are usually some good rental places that will allow you to see which boat suits your particular style and experience level. there are also many good books available to help you learn proper paddling technique that will enable you to better enjoy the experince on the water. check your local library or search the net for ideas on those rather than purchasing the first one you see. you might also re-post this question and fill in the blanks for us so we might give you much safer and wiser advice. happy paddling, and good luck on your adventure.

Answer 2

Buying A Canoe

Answer 3

First thing you need to know is keep it at my house. ;-)
I been looking myself. I look at the Plastic as they seem sturdy, lighter and cooler than aluminum and fiberglass.
I decided to try to find a New one. Heck, what many ask for a used, just add $100 and it new. Also, I not sure of the care people give a canoe and buying a used one it may have been stored in the sun which may cause problems I really not sure.
I was looking at Coleman and Pelican (I think those the names). Coleman is made by Pelican. I seen a Pelican new for about $650, I think. I just browse the Web now to learn more, so, I know a good deal when I see it. The one I seen was about 16.5 feet. They had some shorter and cheaper.
I not want a center seat, or Webbing. I want room for gear as I want to do a really long River run I been wanting to do for years. Be the Wild Mountain Man thing.
I have seen used aluminum canoes for about $300 but they dented up more than I like.

One thing, you need to find this local, because shipping will kill you.

Answer 4

We have had a Grumman aluminum for 30 plus years, still in great shape, you can buy an excellent used one for 300.00 to 400.00. Also bought a a plastic 16.5 foot Pelican, same as Coleman for 300.00 at Dunham Sports, I'm sure you can find at most Sporting Goods stores. I river fish qiute often, an aluminum canoe can be a royal pain if you get stuck on submerged rocks, whereas the plastic glides over much easier. You can store aluminum canoes outdoors indefinatly, but i would store the platic canoe inside because they are more suseptical to the elements. You can buy most any accesory you want, i have a motor mount with a 28lb electric trolling motor, you can put the deep cycle battery up front to counter your weight if alone. I also have stabilizer pontoons that mount to one side of canoe for stability, this enables you to stand up if you want to stretch or cast in safety. If i were you i would get a good plastic canoe for 400.00 to 600.00 try Gander Mountain or Cabela's, motor mount 50.00 or make your own. Stabilizer floats 150.00. 28lb elecrtic motor, 100.00, try Walmart they a carry Minnkota electric motors cheaper than most. Deep cycle battery bigger the better, it will last you a couple of days fishing on a full charge, again Walmarts Automotive dept. 60.00. Stay away from fiberglass or Kevlar unless you don't have and rocks in your lake. Also plastic is easy to repair, you can even use duct tape in an emergency.
I believe Spring Creek in Northern Minnesota sells any accesory that you may need, try their website.

Answer 5

It is hard to answer your question without a lot more details of how the boat will be used. The people that are saying canoe's tip very easy - this is not correct. The canoe is one of the most stable craft in the world. I would look for a used canoe. Get a tandem so you can take a friend along. Best thing to do is find a good, local, canoe dealer in your area - they will be the best resource - also make sure you talk to a dealer who has been canoeing for a long time. Good luck and have fun - it opens up a whole new world!

Answer 6

Aluminum is the best. Narrow is better for steering. Wide is better for stability. Longer is for two people. Plastic warps in the sun when not in use. Fiberglass is heavy and will crack if you abuse it. Aluminum is weldable and dents can be repaired. Square stern is for small electric or gas motors

Answer 7

A smart fella would take his family to the boating store, and let them all pick out a "PFD" (Personal Floatation Device) or "Life Vest", that they are comfortable in, and like, and WILL WEAR ! Bright colors are best, millions of styles to choose from now, some don't even look like vests, they look like "fishing vests", some look like light coats, some are sporty and flashy, what ever it is, just make sure THEY GET ONE ! Canoe's tip very easily, and most people are surprised to be in the water all of a sudden, that where you being a "Genius" comes in !

Answer 8

i'm no expert but you will not be happy with the 'pelicen'...we live on a lake and have had big boats little boats go fast boats and sailboats over the years..had a pelican..does not compare to the others we have been in..(canoes that is) spend a little more and enjoy it... good luck!

Answer 9

Don't forget the drain plug.

Answer 10

here's a review of them from ebays reviews & guides.