Which canoe brand for Dad?

[smartwork]

While sitting out on the ski boat today on the lake, Dad mentioned he was going to pick up a canoe. Our family has canoed since we were kids and owned a Lowe Line when we were kids many years ago. Now, we usually rent them at the destinations, but Dad is going to buy one for local use. It'll definitely be an aluminum one. Any info or preferences on the best brands in the aluminum canoes?

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Which canoe brand for Dad?

Get one of the new style fiberglass/kevlar canoes, they are light years ahead in weight and construction than they were 10 years ago. They are so thin you can see through them but strong enough to jump on. AL canoes are old school and heavy as a brick.

Check out this company, these are awesome canoes as I have picked them up and seen them in person...truly the next generation. Their 18 1/2 ft general use kevlar canoe with three seats weighs 49 pds!

http://www.sourisriver.com/canoe-models/

If the pricing seems high for new check out the used/seconds section on the website.

http://www.sourisriver.com/about/seconds/

 

[drrpm]

Re: Which canoe brand for Dad?

Canoes come in a wide range of designs and materials, so deciding which is best depends on its intended use. If you are just going to putter around in it, aluminum would be OK but Royalex is lighter and more pleasant to paddle(doesn't clang, slides off rocks easily, not as hot in the sun). Kevlar is great but expensive and really only worth it if you're doing long portages or racing.
There are many good brands Wenonah, Mad River and Old Town are 3 of these. The only aluminum canoes I've seen were Grummans.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Which canoe brand for Dad?

Unless he just has to have aluminum, consider one made with Royalex. I have a 16' Old Town Penobscot with many, many miles on it. Tough as nails and light weight. It is symmetrical so it can be paddled solo or tandem. It's a great boat.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Which canoe brand for Dad?

Old Town.