Old Town, Rockport???

[huntark03]

I want a canoe for my wife and I and our two dogs to be used on everything up to rivers like the Buffalo or Spring. Do yall think this would be a good one to get?

[Randy Dodson]

It won't turn over but there's NO performance to it. The boat's nearly as wide as it is long and has a hogback ( reverse rocker ) keel line.

If your only goal is a boat that won't tip over, it may be the ticket but it will get very tiring paddling this boat thru all the long pools. There are other canoes that are very stable but still have some decent performance. The Rockport might also be a little crowded with two adults and two dogs.

Suggest you try before you buy. If you're looking at one at a large sporting goods store, the best thing you can do is to pay a visit to a specialty outdoor store like Ouchita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs or Ozark Outdoor Supply in LR

My humble opinion is that the Rockport is best suited for letting the kids or grandkids paddle around on the farm pond and do some fishing. It is not a serious canoe.

And yes, I am a canoe snob

[huntark03]

Thanks for the responce Randy! After doing some more research...I can see what you're saying. We will probably wait and save some money before we buy and like you said we will try to try before we buy.

[Clif]

Used buffalo canoes retired from outfitters make good first boats. Outfitters usually have sales. It will at least let you know if you wanna shell out bucks for a better or type specific boat. Ours does lakes up to class II

[GutIt]

You have a Class II Lake?????

[perspective7]

Only when the 150 horse jet boats go by....

Turners bend on the Mullberry had some Buffalo's for sale...and the Buffalo Outdoor Center has a couple trailer loads of 16 ft.Buffalo's for sale...325-$400 and most looked like they had been wrapped around a tree or rock at one time