Advice on tandem canoes, please

[casf]

We are a reasonably fit retired couple looking for our first canoe to use on lakes and gentle streams. We will be doing day trips to see and photograph scenery and wildlife. We think we need something stable and easy to handle. Thanks

[ckuntz]

The Wenonah Spirit is a great do everything canoe with good glide and seaworthiness. It is roomy, comfortable, and stable. Quick enough for streamline glide but slightly rockered for mild whitewater. Great all around 17 foot boat.

[Randy Dodson]

I second the Wenonah Spirit II. We have one that we use for canoe camping on easy rivers. It's probably one of the best choices for what you're looking for. I'd recommend the royalex version since you'll likely be dragging shoals on the rivers. At 17' It's a little longer than what I like for manueverability but it more than makes up for it thru the pools and on the lakes.

Other choices to check out would be the Bell Alaskan, Mad River Explorer, Mohawk Intrepid 16 or 17, Mohawk Nova 16 or 17, Old Town Penobscot, and I'll think of some more later.

If possible, try before you buy. Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs is IMHO the best paddlesport dealer in this region of the country. Ozark Outdoors in LR is also a great store to do business with.

Good Luck. See ya on the river.

[casf]

Thanks for the advice!

[martinm]

You may also check out a Bell Alaskan. It is a seventeen foot ABS canoe, very roomy and well built. In the last thirty some odd years, I have owned at least ten canoes, and this one is one of the best. Don at Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters sells them.

Another great boat, if you can find one, is one of the earlier Grumman aluminum seventeen foot canoes. They track well and if you find one with a "shoe" keel, it's fine for moving water. I had one for years, and it was the fastest paddling canoe I have owned. I finally sold it to a friend for $200 but can still use it at anytime.

You should be able to get one in the $400 or less range. If you do find one, be sure the rivets are about 1/2 inch apart. Under the Grumman name, later canoes weren't riveted together as good.

Martin

[elchucko]

17Ft Grumman Aluminum Canoe - $250
Date: 2009-08-05, 11:21AM CDT
Reply to: sale-qmz27-1306974541@craigslist.org

Kansas city craigs list

17ft Grumman. It has been used on river trips, so it has scratches and dings. Not abused or damaged, just normal river canoe wear and tear.


Location: North of River




PostingID: 1306974541

[Jaytee]

What do folks think about the Wenonah Aurora?

I too am in the market for my first tandem canoe, and the main use will be Class I-II rivers (rarely a lake but also no serious whitewater). We use kayaks now but want something we can camp out of etc. No long expeditions... talking 1-2 nighters at most I think.

[Richard]

Jaytee, so long as you will only use it as a tandem, that would be a good choice. However, it is asymmetrical and that makes using it as a solo a little more difficult. I think if I was going to have only one Wenonah canoe that I would use for both tandem and solo use, I would choose a Prospector. The only downside is that the bow and stern will catch a wind a little more than the Aurora. The Aurora will not have as much gear capacity but it will most likely be a bit faster than the Prospector.
http://www.wenonah.com/products/templat ... dbbd17cc93" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jaytee]

Richard, thank you for that astute observation! That's exactly why I need this board because that detail would have been lost on me!

For a tandem canoe that may be paddled solo on rare occasions, for river use and no heavy expeditions, other than the Prospector, any other faves?

[panicman]

old town tripper. stable, turns great and handles a load really well. I can stand up in the back and fish.

[prophet]

a vote for the dagger legend. i think it might have the biggest payload out there (but not sure of that). i know it can haul two people, two 80# dogs and enough crap for all

[elchucko]

Here's a Royalex Spirit II in Stockton Mo. for sale. It belongs to a friend and it's almost brand new. Kinda big to solo, but it can be done.
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/boa/1352460901.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I recently bought an Aurora and love it.

[casf]

Thanks for all the input. Ended up with a Bell Chestnut Prospector. Have taken it out three times and been well pleased. We thought we wanted the ultra light material but bought the Royalex. We can easily manage the 60+ lbs. and it is better for the inexperienced paddler (me).