So, you’ve taken an interest in canoeing. That’s wonderful! Taking a decision to get into such a great hobby will benefit you for your entire life. The knowledge and experience you gain for your efforts will be beyond the scope of what you imagined. At the moment, you may be hitting a little snag though, that of which kind of canoe to buy. The choice of what canoe to purchase can be daunting and can put many people off. Hopefully, we can make it a little easier for you.
No Such Thing as a “Best Canoe”
The thing to keep in mind is that there is no “best” canoe. There’s not even a “good all-around” canoe. Every different type will have its strengths and weaknesses, but what there is, is the right choice for you. Do you want to spend less money on something that will only last the summer, or would you prefer to spend more money on a canoe that will last you a lifetime? Do you want to move swiftly down the lake or move slowly so you can admire the scenery? These are important questions to ask yourself while searching for a canoe. There are three basic answers you need to figure out to buy the best canoe for your needs: Size, shape, and material. These factors will have a functional difference on how your canoe performs.
Size
For size, there is one simple rule to remember: All other things being equal, the longer the canoe, the faster it will be. For better shallow-water movement, asymmetry below the waterline is helpful, although the more asymmetrical your canoe is, the trickier it will be to control in currents and rapids.
Shape and Stability
The second consideration is shape. Stability (initial and final), ease of paddling, and seaworthiness are functions of hull shape. The round- and V-bottom hulls excel in every category except initial stability. A canoe should have high final stability plus enough initial stability so you can paddle it without fear of capsizing. Unfortunately, most manufacturers boast the”initial stability” of their canoes, which is the less important of the two variables.
Stability is important for the casual canoer. Look for models that have high initial and final stability that won’t be tippy or rock too much. Low stability will end up giving you a fear of capsizing once you’re out on the water. Be careful though, as most manufacturers boost promotion of initial stability, but it’s the less important of the two types.
Materials
Material, however, has no simple rule and each material has its own pros and cons. Wood moves the smoothest in water but can sometimes not be as durable as other materials. Aluminum is durable, but not as smooth as wood. Fiberglass is heavy and slow to move through water. Kevlar is lightweight, moves quickly, but is very expensive compared to other types of construction. It’s a good idea to speak to people at your local outdoors shop and ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable about the material you decide on for your canoe.
With a little bit of basic knowledge, you can head to the stores and look over models of canoes available and feel confident that you’re making the right choice for what you need. You can also use the internet to get more information on the specifics of certain models and what they’re best used for. One thing is for sure, when you hit the water with your new purchase, you’ll be setting yourself up for years of pleasure.
About the author of this article:
robert g. knechtel operates several websites addressing a variety of interesting topics, including canoes, kayaks and inflatable rafts, and about inflatable rafts and saving money on canoe and kayak accessories.
