Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Little Deuce had a great time at Rendezvous and has discovered she really likes paddling a canoe. I watched with great pleasure as she picked up an adult sized paddle and with absolutely no coaching used it like she'd been paddling for ten years. I'm ready for her to be my partner on some day trips and soon thereafter some weekend float trips, but the canoe we have (16' Ouachita flatback with keel) isn't the best for the Buffy, Ouachita, etc., so I'd like some input on what would be a good canoe for that kind of use? Looks like the Mohawk Intrepid might be one candidate. Thoughts? She's nine by the way.

That or the Odyssey 15T maybe. Dave Thomas will probably chime in. If he doesn't see this, send him a PM. There are other, non-Mohawk canoes that will do very well for that sort of thing too. Two Brother's Arkota's come to mind. I would look for something 16 feet since it's about middle-length for tripping tandems. Don't get anything with a keel line if you are thinking about doing much moving water. If you are looking for a used canoe, there are lots of options. If new is where it's at, talk to Dave, Two Brothers, OOO, or OMTC.

Hope this helps,
Shep

Looks like an Old Town Tripper 172 might work as well? Seem to see those available used from time to time.

I just bought the last Solo 13 that Dave had in stock and I LOVE it. Nimble, lightweight and extremely well made. Dave is a pleasure to do business with and I would recommend Mohawk to anyone that asked. DeBo and Cowper also have Mohawks and they are the ones that steered me to this company. It is my understanding that the business has been moved to Chattanooga, TN but Dave still has several tandem canoes in stock at Fort Smith.

When we get water again? I'd be happy to let you borrow an Arkota for demo. PM anytime.

-Louis

When I was still but a runt, I practically grew up in the bow seat of a Mohawk Intrepid 17. Big ol' barge of a boat, but super stable and kid friendly. I can't even list the times I'd stand up in it and jump out when I was a kid, all with very little effect on the boat. Relatively quick on flat water as well, and it'll run anything the Buffy or Ouachita can dish out in non-flood conditions. Also can hold a TON of gear and a third person to boot. The Old Town 172 is pretty comparable to it as well.
Jon Ellwood

Luke:

Try the Arkota: it is a great multi-purpose boat, is not expensive and is made in Arkansas.

al

^^^ Sweet avatar! See you in the spring, we will be in our new shop. We are glad you are enjoying your canoes and we appreciate the support. -Louis

Louis:

It IS possible to take a 36" wide Arkota through a 33" wide slot between two concrete posts. Thanks for the comment: the pic is one of my favorites: on the Middle River (no joke!) in Iowa (no joke!)


A bit more in detail...

Be well.

al