Canoe Question

[GilbertsGrape]

So i am thinking of getting a canoe

Rogue River by Harbor Watercraft - $349 @ walmart

Mackinlaw 156 $497.00 @ walmart


I was thinking of going with the cheaper one. i have never been canoing before and the Mackinlaw one is 15'6" ling and i Think the other one is about 14' long and that is as much as i know about them. both are green does anyone know anything about these canoes or canoeing. also do canoe's have to be licisnesed and if so how much does it cost

Thanks Grape

[Showtime]

Bump cuz I know some of you canoe. Theres a thread on those water boot thingies. Enquiring minds.....

-jel:halo:

[coleslaw]

Honestly, if you've never been in a canoe before, I would suggest that you at least rent one a few times before you go out and purchase one. See if you really enjoy canoeing before you make such a large capital investment. :)

[ufcrusher]

When you are trying to find a canoe, you want to think about several things. First, are you going to be going in a group or soloing? Second, do you plan to portage a lot or are you just going to drive it to the lake and then pack it back up? Finally, what conditions are you going to be going through (placid lake or trying some light rapids?) Who other than you might use your canoe?

Obviously, there are fiberglass and aluminum canoes, each with its own benefits and detriments. Fiberglass canoes are lighter, but cant handle as much abuse. So if you think you are going to use your canoe in light rapids but not ever portage it, then you might just want an aluminum canoe. Same is true for if other people are using it alot.

Now, when I used to canoe all the time, we used to have to be able to solo a 16' aluminum canoe. In fact we portaged for an 9 mile trek with these damn canoes on our backs and heads. So obviously, if you are going to portage a lot, the lighter fiberglass canoes are the way to go. Additionally, some canoes have different types of seats that flip to provide more comfortable shoulder rests when portaging.

As for the size, it all depends on who is going to be in it...if its just you, the smaller the more manueverable...but you can sit in the middle and control almost any size canoe if you know the proper strokes. If you are going to have two other people in there, then the larger the better.

I do not believe that you have to register a canoe (I have never heard of it) but you might want to check your state laws.

I guess, the sum of my advice is figure out exactly what you are going to use it for and then buy it for that use. I dont know how much canoeing you have ever done, but if you havent I would suggest that you take a class to at least get the basics down (J strokes, T- clearing an overturned canoe, bracing yourself, how to portage, etc.)

[RoniMan]

beware of canoe protesters

[GilbertsGrape]

I've never even been in a canoe before but i want to start it looks like fun and not many ppl in my aria do it. it will mainily be me and my GF using it on a small lake to start and then moving into a calm river. I will be hauling it in the back of my truck. i have a friend that is going to fabercate a carrier for me so that the part of the canoe that hangs out of my truck bed will be supported i bought the 2X2 steel tubeing today and will make mesurements when i get a canoe.

i put an ad on the swap shop for a used canoe and maybe i will get some calls tonight.

Thanks for all the information. i have a book comeing from Half.com that is suppose to tell about canoeing. what is portage

thank you again for all your information

grape





Originally posted by ufcrusher
When you are trying to find a canoe, you want to think about several things. First, are you going to be going in a group or soloing? Second, do you plan to portage a lot or are you just going to drive it to the lake and then pack it back up? Finally, what conditions are you going to be going through (placid lake or trying some light rapids?) Who other than you might use your canoe?

Obviously, there are fiberglass and aluminum canoes, each with its own benefits and detriments. Fiberglass canoes are lighter, but cant handle as much abuse. So if you think you are going to use your canoe in light rapids but not ever portage it, then you might just want an aluminum canoe. Same is true for if other people are using it alot.

Now, when I used to canoe all the time, we used to have to be able to solo a 16' aluminum canoe. In fact we portaged for an 9 mile trek with these damn canoes on our backs and heads. So obviously, if you are going to portage a lot, the lighter fiberglass canoes are the way to go. Additionally, some canoes have different types of seats that flip to provide more comfortable shoulder rests when portaging.

As for the size, it all depends on who is going to be in it...if its just you, the smaller the more manueverable...but you can sit in the middle and control almost any size canoe if you know the proper strokes. If you are going to have two other people in there, then the larger the better.

I do not believe that you have to register a canoe (I have never heard of it) but you might want to check your state laws.

I guess, the sum of my advice is figure out exactly what you are going to use it for and then buy it for that use. I dont know how much canoeing you have ever done, but if you havent I would suggest that you take a class to at least get the basics down (J strokes, T- clearing an overturned canoe, bracing yourself, how to portage, etc.)

[mojo]

i thought you meant the cologne. i always smell it, then buy something else.

[GilbertsGrape]

Rogue River 14 - $349 @ walmart

now how do i use it ... the basics i an takeing it out with my gf.

so if i flip it how do i turn it back and get in it

paddleing basics please

[ufcrusher]

portaging is when you have to carry the canoe over land. You ususally do so on your shoulders.

To right a flipped canoe, you can do a T-manuever which is where you flip it over and pull it up on another canoe that you are going with. The water runs out and you flip it back upright. then you go on one side, your girl goes on the other, and at the same time you get back in at the same time, with the weight of each other stabiliizing it from capsizing again.

If you are by yourself (no other canoes) and you flip, well normally you just try to right it and deal with a swamped canoe until you get to the side.

I cant tell you the strokes, you have to be shown. The most important is the J-stroke, which is how you paddle and steer a the same time, You basically have to pull parallel to the canoe and then flair out in a J pattern. At the end of the stroke you use the blade to sort of steer it. As I said, i cant really explain it that well, you should take a lesson.

[Punker_bob2004]

i went canoeing a couple times... hope you have a good time