MowHawk canoes

[RespiratoryMan]

Does anyone have or know someone that uses a INTREPID 17 ?
Just curious as I'm trying to find the right boat for my needs.
Thanks!

[RespiratoryMan]

Opinions anyone ?

[GutIt]

I have an Intrepid 17.

It was built in the early '80's when I bought it new. It is a "livery" version. Fiberglass seats, vinyl coated aluminum gunwhales, and, according to Mohawk, an extra layer of plastic. I believe it because the boat is a little heavier than "normal". I have always loved the boat and still have it today. Aside from a little altercation with the Mother on the Big Piney is still in pretty good shape. It is still on the water from time to time even though I presently own another 17'er of a different brand. And all that happened there is just a bent up deck plate. Any other boat would have probably wrapped on the canoe eaters below. It would seem that you cannot successfully stuff a 17' canoe towing a 13' kayak into a 6' eddy in an alcohol induced haze on a bachelor party! Who knew? At least the kayak served as a nice wreck bouy for locating the submerged canoe later!

A good friend of mine recently spoke to Mohawk and said that they are offering some Intrepid "blems' pretty cheap. More so if you drive to the factory to pick it up.

For my purposes, a 17'er for my "chuckwagon" is the only way to go. I like my amenities on the 'nighters! And a 17'er fills the bill even for a tandem team. I am not so sure how the extra foot from a 16'er equates into how much more gear you can haul, but I do know this. A 17'er packs so much nicer that you can definitely carry more amenities. And believe me, I have put it to the test! The boat handles quite well if you don't attempt stupid eddy moves when you shouldn't, but you don't really own a boat like this for flashy moves. It tracks nicely, but still has enough maneuverability to feel good. I don't know the exact specs, but it has a high sheer and high walls and is a very dry ride. I have had it in easy Class III on occasion and paddled it solo often.

Hope this helps out, but this is my opinion only and does not reflect the opinion of the management! Any thing else you think I might be able to tell you please post up and I'll try to respond, RespiratoyMan.

[RespiratoryMan]

Thanks there GutIT.
A bit of a pack rat my self and often take all and the kitchen sink. I like the solo but often take my youngest daughter along or my wife. Mostly float the Buffalo with several overnighters, sometimes the Spring during the weekday for daytrips. Looking for the good tracking and the larger load. Good to know about the about the Class III as I wasn't sure on the maneuverability esp on class III.
Blems? I might just call them as a trip to Ft Smith might be the thing for saving a ($).
Got The fever bad

[GutIt]

Good Luck with the Search, RespiratoryMan!

I know when the fever strikes there is only one thing to do!

But don't get me wrong here. I do not recommend this boat as a Class III boat though I have had it on Class III and loaded deep. That was "easy Class III" and pretty much straight ahead. Not a whole lot of fancy maneuvering or eddy hopping. A 17' Loadmaster is not designed to do that very well. But I have had it on the Spring and actually carried my playboat kayak and all the other kayaker's beverages/gear in it for stopping and playing at Saddler or wherever.

But the boat is great for those 'nighters on the Buffalo with the wife and/or Daughter and more than makes up for it when you off load your Barcolounger and giant cooler(s) at camp!

[RespiratoryMan]

Gotcha on the WW class III. Don't figure I'll be doing that much severe WW paddling.
Going to try and call today to see about cost new vs blems. Would like to hear from some other's about their opinions too. Wish I could try one for a day, but none available to rent at any livery stables I've called.

[RespiratoryMan]

O-K, How about the 16?
Anyone?

[mohawklady]

I have an Intrepid 17, bought it in 93. When I bought it, my boys were 7 and 10 and we did alot of overnight river trips. It is a very stable boat, hard to flip, and will carry alot of gear. I wanted a boat that was stable and able to carry the gear, I still have it, going to take it out again this weekend with Richard on the Buffalo. It is also easy to paddle solo from the back seat. I have wore out the bottom and patched it, it has alot of sentimental value as my boys grew up in it. Can't wait for my grandson to get old enough to go!!!!!

[RespiratoryMan]

I've yet to call the MoHawk #, just cause I'm wanting to hear from good folks like you.
Thanks,