how / where to purchase a canoe?!

[charlie wilson]

I started at the beginning

I first paddled my grandfathers 13 ft Old Town wood and canvas, which was followed by a progression of Grummans at scout camp[s]. Grumman's, for all their flaws, are significantly better paddling boats than Colman/Pelican and OT Discos. I took 2 BWCA trips in a CoreCraft.

I paddled Sawyer Supers and Canadians in the late 60s and into the 70's before shifting to Mad Rivers Malecite, TW Special and Screamer, the latter causing a sea shift to solo canoeing. I swapped a Kev Screamer for a BlackHawk Covenant, then Proem and a Curtis Vagabond, Nomad, DragonFly then LadyBug. Somewhere in there I owned a Pat Moore Reverie II, a Lotus Egret and Caper.

During my stint with Bell I paddled mostly FlashFire and WildFire and acquired a Loon Works Nakoma, which I still enjoy, a Dagger Cascade C-1 and a Davey Hearn designed BatMax. I still paddle Flash's, but they are lighter, and have a different nameplate. Later I picked up a GyroMax.

If the only canoes available were Pelicans or Discos I doubt I'd paddle. There is no joy of the responsive interaction of the water, blade, hull and body about the things. As a fishing platform I suppose they're fine, but for the athletic sport of paddling, I don't see that either would encourage anyone to go out again.

[aft paddle]

Wait a minute

When I was a kid there weren't many options on what type of canoe you started out with. It was either a relic of an Old Town some relative had that hadn't seen water in about twenty years or an (UGH) aluminum noise trap--but simply put any canoe was better than no canoe. I still believe any canoe is better than no canoe. I currently have four ranging from plastic to wood and canvas and I can have a ball in any of them. What did you start in Charlie?

[fishinnut]

If you looking for a lite wieght awesome canoe-Old Town offers some real nice models-$$$$$ a bit expensive.If your looking for a rugged (heavier) model coleman has a ram-x. It is exceptionly tough,holds a bunch of gear and also is one of a few canoes which has a keel which makes for easier control and helps keep the wind from turning you in the water.It also is very reasonably priced. Hope the info was helpful. Good luck and happy paddleing!!!!

[charlie wilson]

Dear all;

Thanks for the kind words, but please remember that Placid Boatworks is two guys. My partner Joe Moore is younger, faster and probably the key component in our success. Among other things, he found Dymonwood, which we use in our thwarts and decks, improved and streamlined my old BCW trim procedures, and mostly provides the energy to keep the company running.

cew

[Msample]

Ebay

Is usually a crapshoot IMO....but this posting caught my eye . Due to the relatively short time frame, this boat could go cheap . It is IMO the Ferrari of flatwater solo tripping canoes . If you can drive to NH.....think about it .


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=280105186379

[Wldrns]

...Make sure you try the Rapidfire and the Spitfire.

Charlie is being modest.

They are in a completely different league from Hornbeck boats. I have paddled both but recommend anyone in the market for a boat "kick the tires" for themselves.

I agree. Look around various outdoor forums and you catch some of the depth of Charlie's knowledge (and modesty/honesty as a businessman).

I have one of Charlie's recent RapidFires. I also have one of Peter's hybrid graphite Lost Pond boats. They each have a very different purpose, though there is some region of overlap. I love them both for what they do. Anyone considering either should definitely visit Charlie or Pete, preferably both, for test rides, then decide (if you can).

[yellowcanoe]

That would be May 18-20 not for eleven days!

Pray for no snow, no mud, no wind, and maybe even warm air!

Make sure you try the Rapidfire and the Spitfire.

Charlie is being modest.

They are in a completely different league from Hornbeck boats. I have paddled both but recommend anyone in the market for a boat "kick the tires" for themselves.

[charlie wilson]

Combi boats just don't work very well for customers. They are fine for dealers, as they fit a compact couple or a single, very large, iundividual. I endorse the get one good solo for the majority of your paddling, rent a tandem or a second solo as needed.

Another variant is to get the solo you want for yourself and a second used rec kayak. When you go alone, use the good solo. When out with your wife; she gets the good boat, you use the heavier rotomolded monster.

There's an opportunity coming up 18-20 May in the Old Forge area. Mountain Man's Adk. Paddlefest will have Bell's BuckTail, Native WaterCraft's Compass 10.5 and 12.5, Placid boatworks SpitFire and RapidFire, and Vermont Canoes Tupper on the beach for testing. Olmsteadville, home to all the Hornbecks is 45 miles to the east and Blue Mtn Outfitters, with Swift's Adirondack decked boats is 30 miles north. Why not try them all and make an informed decision?

[JClimbs]

Just a quick add'l note:
Beaver Brook Outfitters rents canoes for $25/day for multiple days. If you're paddling around on the eastern side of the Adks, it's a good place to go.
They also sell Old Town Canoes. While I echo the sentiments of folks here in recommending a Hornbeck boat if you can afford one, the Old Town Pack canoe is a cheap alternative. They aren't nearly as light but they are manageable, can pack quite a lot more, and have more freeboard for choppy conditions.

[coolrobc]

Man, too bad Kingston is ~ 5.5 hours away...

[Vtwinkicker]

Anyone looking for a canoe or kayak might check out Cold Brook Canoe on route 28 west of Kingston,NY. The guy sells out of his house and is retiring and selling the business. I stopped there a few years back, he had a nice inventory. Maybe there are deals to be had?

[Starshadow]

I would agree that Mountainman Sports rates high. Knowledgeable people, large inventory, used demos, new. The paddlefest in Old Forge in May is a great chance to test paddle and ask questions. It is worth the time taken to get into the boat before you buy to ensure it meets your needs. Paddle.net has testimonials from all types of boat owners also, a good resource.
I had always used a canoe but have shifted to the Ocean kayak Drifter, a sit on top angler edition. Now I tow my canoe behind sometimes with the gear I need.

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Three o'clock is always too late or too early for anything you want to do.
Jean-Paul Sartre

[Volte]

aDeeDeeDeeDee,

I plan on bringing a few different packs and dry bags to see how they fit with the two of us in the boats.

I’m afraid to try the 10’ Pond Hopper, as I only have enough cash and space for one boat, knowing myself I’ll be temped to get more than one :-)

[Wldrns]

All this talk of Hornbecks, is there anywhere to buy a used one?

Jerry

Jerry, you might try Dave Cilley at St Regis Canoe Outfitters in Saranac Lake and Floodwood. He rents Hornbecks and may have old ones available, or know who does. I believe Adirondack Canoe Outfitters in Tupper Lake deals with them also.

Again, Pete Hornbeck would be an excellent choice for information as well.

[gbrown@gdbrown.net]

Used Hornbecks

All this talk of Hornbecks, is there anywhere to buy a used one?



Jerry