avusblue
Enlightened
Hey guys, I've yet to find the topic that doesn't have somebody out there in CPFland who's an expert. So here's today's flavor of the day: Canoes.
I am thinking of buying a canoe for family paddling on a small lake. (I am trying to keep this a secret from mama bear, to surprise her on her upcoming birthday, although the kids are in on it.)
I'm pretty much a canoe novice. After several trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the Minnesota / Canada border as a teenager, I've not set foot in one in probably 15 years. I do remember the classic Grumman aluminum canoes:
as very rugged, maintenance free, and pretty much standard issue for all the outfitters back then. They are still available, manufactured by Marathon Boat. By default, I think I would lean towards one of these, just because I remember them so fondly. But I know just from browsing www.paddling.net that there are a variety of new plastics and composites out there that are pretty highly regarded.
Anything else you all can tell me that I oughta know??
I am open to considering a used canoe. I figure the types of questions to ask are things like:
Any dents or visible wear and tear?
Any fading or visible weathering?
Any leaks or seepage?
What else?
Thanks for any and all helpful input. If we're gonna do this, I need to get it bought within the next coupla weeks.
Cheers,
Dave
I am thinking of buying a canoe for family paddling on a small lake. (I am trying to keep this a secret from mama bear, to surprise her on her upcoming birthday, although the kids are in on it.)
I'm pretty much a canoe novice. After several trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the Minnesota / Canada border as a teenager, I've not set foot in one in probably 15 years. I do remember the classic Grumman aluminum canoes:
as very rugged, maintenance free, and pretty much standard issue for all the outfitters back then. They are still available, manufactured by Marathon Boat. By default, I think I would lean towards one of these, just because I remember them so fondly. But I know just from browsing www.paddling.net that there are a variety of new plastics and composites out there that are pretty highly regarded.
Anything else you all can tell me that I oughta know??
I am open to considering a used canoe. I figure the types of questions to ask are things like:
Any dents or visible wear and tear?
Any fading or visible weathering?
Any leaks or seepage?
What else?
Thanks for any and all helpful input. If we're gonna do this, I need to get it bought within the next coupla weeks.
Cheers,
Dave