Buying Your First Canoe

So, you’ve finally decided to buy a canoe. The decision makes sense, as you look forward to more adventures. Before purchasing a canoe, you need to determine your needs. These can range from PFDs and paddles to car mounting hardware, dry bags, bailer/bill pumps, and trailers. There are also a few safety accessories you must have. You should check the manufacturers’ instructions on all safety gear before purchasing your canoe. Selecting your equipment doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Listed below are some tips for buying a canoe.

OutdoorPlay canoesCheck the hull and thwarts. Do they creak or crack when you pick it up? If they do, this can be a sign of a surface breach. Also, check for mold and rust on the gunwales and thwarts, which are indicators of a water leak. Make sure the canoe is sturdy enough to last for a long time. Purchasing a rust-prone canoe is not good, especially if you plan to use it frequently.

Gunwales are another important feature of canoes. They reinforce the sides of the canoe and provide a convenient place to hold on to when you need to exit the boat. Choose a durable and smooth gunwale, as the edges of your canoe can get scraped if you fall out. While wooden gunwales are attractive and sound-resistant, they also require regular maintenance. Vinyl gunwales are also inexpensive and don’t require special care. However, they can break in cold water and may sound noisy.

When choosing a seat material, consider how comfortable it will be. If you’re planning to paddle in colder water, consider purchasing a seat made of woven cane, which allows for more air to circulate. While plastic can be more durable, it won’t breathe as well. Consider what you’d like to do with your canoe. If you’re planning on carrying it around, a center thwart may easily help you balance the canoe.

The materials used to make OutdoorPlay canoes influence their weight, durability, and price. While most canoes are made of plastic or canvas, some manufacturers use proprietary designs. Aluminum canoes are a relatively heavy option but offer good strength. Glass canoes are lighter but not as durable. Fiberglass and aluminum canoes are cheap and sturdy but may be noisy and stick on rocks.

You should also consider the stem. The height of the boat will affect its cutting ability in the water. A vertical entry reduces its ability to spin quickly and ride in waves. Conversely, a rounded entry will increase its ability to ride over waves and add stability. If you’re interested in learning how to paddle a canoe, Ted East has a unique method for testing its stability. He puts it in shallow water when testing canoe stability and then leans slightly forward. This measurement will determine how much weight is needed to move water over the gunwales.

One of the most important canoe buying tips is choosing the proper size for your needs. The bigger the boat, the more comfortable you’ll be. If you plan on carrying passengers or gear, a larger boat is better for you. The type of activities you plan to do on the canoe will also determine its size. It is vital to choose the right size to avoid being uncomfortable or unstable while paddling. If you’re going on a trip with a lot of water, you may want to choose a larger canoe.

Aside from size, you should also consider the environment where you’ll be paddling. River canoes are best for those seeking an adventure and want a tough canoe for protection. Many types of canoes feature high sides to protect passengers from splashes. When buying a canoe, keep in mind that the design and dimensions of the canoe are important. Once you know what you need, it’ll be easier to choose the right model.

While a canoe may be versatile, various water conditions will affect its performance. It should be long enough to paddle for long distances. Also, longer canoes are more stable. Despite being easier to paddle, a wider canoe can be more stable and easier to maneuver. While tall sides may increase the canoe’s capacity, they make the canoe more wind and water prone.