Being out there on a canoe can be a wonderful experience. Being close to the water and being able to explore is a great thrill. You want to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible though and the best canoes are going to ensure that you have a great ride.
In order to get the best canoe, there are some key features to consider. Here we will look deeper into those key features and we have also completed canoe reviews to show you the best products on the market. Once you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll know the perfect canoe for you.
OUR TOP PICK
Old Town 133 Rivers & Lakes
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Excellent stability
- Contoured seats
- Flat bottom
Length: 14.6ft
Weight: 95 Lbs
Capacity: 3
Materials: Polyethylene
EDITORS CHOICE
Old Town Discovery 119
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Great for solo use
- Comfortable seating
- Lightweight
Length: 11ft
Weight: 49 Lbs
Capacity: 1
Materials: polyethylene, vinyl, and nylon
BEST VALUE
Sevylor Ogden 2-person
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- PVC construction
- No leak guarantee
- Adjustable seats
Length: 10ft
Weight: 42.3 Lbs
Capacity: 2
Materials: PVC and polyester
MYCANOE Origami Folding
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Patented origami folding for storage
- Lightweight
- Durable and safe
Length: 14ft
Weight: 52 Lbs
Capacity: 3
Materials: Aluminum and polypropylene
Sun Dolphin Mackinaw
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Long canoe
- Great storage and cooler
- Family friendly
Length: 15.6ft
Weight: 100 Lbs
Capacity: 3
Materials: Hard polymer
Old Town Sport 15
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Handles for lifting
Length: 15′ 3″
Weight: 118 Lbs
Capacity: 4
Materials: Three Layer Polyethylene
Grumman River
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Elegance
- Lightweight
- Tough
Length: 12.75ft
Weight: 44 Lbs
Capacity: 2
Materials: Aluminum
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Discovery Sport Canoe
- What Makes This Small Boat Stand Out
- Motor mount possible
- Insulated cooler
- Carrying handles
Length: 15ft
Weight: 118 Lbs
Capacity: 4
Materials: Thermoformed polyethylene
Old Modern Handicrafts
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- A work of art
- Wood and fiberglass
- Lightweight
Length: 16ft
Weight: 52 Lbs
Capacity: 2
Materials: Wood
Mad River Adventure 16 Square Stern
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Great sport canoe
- Smooth in the water
- Molded seats
Length: 14ft
Weight: 75 Lbs
Capacity: 3
Materials: Polyethylene
How To Choose The Best Canoe – Buying Guide
Length And Shape
Two of the most important things which you will consider before you even begin to look at the best canoes are the length and the shape. Of course, the length and the shape will determine the size of your boat. The shape not so much, but the length definitely will.
Before buying a traditional canoe, you should have a way to transport your canoe to the water and back. If a canoe is too long for the vehicle which will transport it, then you should be looking for a shorter canoe. If you have a large vehicle, then a long canoe would be fine.
You should also know which type of water you will be taking your canoe out on. Flat-bottom canoes are more stable. If you need a canoe which will sit stationary in the water for a long period of time, then a flat-bottom canoe is the way to go.
Flat-bottom canoes are great for fishing and family canoe. If you have small children walking around, or want to be a platform for kids to jump from and swim, or need a place from which to cast your line, then go for a flat-bottom canoe.
The downside of a flat-bottom is that the canoe has slower acceleration. If you are looking for a traditional canoe that will transport you through the water at the speed which dodging to the left and the right, then choose a more rounded bottom.
If you are looking for speed, you also need to think about the length. Small canoes with rounded bottoms will get up to speed quickly, but a longer boat will get to a higher top speed, and when they are there, the momentum makes it easier to keep the speed up.
Weight
It is obvious that the heavier the canoe, the harder it will be to transport. If you are embarking on a solo adventure, then you will want to make sure that you purchase a canoe that you can transport and postage by yourself. If you are buying a canoe for group outings, you do not need to worry so much about the weight of your craft.
Take note of how easy it will be to get the canoe onto the top of your vehicle, or into the place it will be transported, and take note of how far you will have to carry your craft to get to the water before you buy your canoe.
Special Features
Generally, the more you spend, the more features you will get. The big question is, what special features do you want or need?
The seats are a big place to start. How many do you need? And what kind of seat do you need? Are you comfortable in any position or do you need a backrest? Do you need your seats to be adjustable? Your canoe seating position is important.
You should also be looking out for storage. What are you using your craft for? Do you need a lot of storage or not? Do you need that storage to be covered and water-resistant? Do you need an inbuilt cooler?
Do you want a cup holder? What else do you need to make your canoe trip a success? It pays to think about exactly what you need before shelling out the money for your canoe as you want to make sure you have the right canoe gear and equipment.
Related Post: Canoe Seating Position
Materials
When it comes to materials, there are a few things to think about. The type of material will determine the weight of your craft. Some materials are lighter than others. Some materials are more durable. Some materials cost more than others.
Again, you will need to think about the type of canoeing you are doing. Is there a chance that you will hit rocks when you are out on the water? An aluminum canoe may be best for you. Are you worried about the weight of the canoe? You may want to choose a plastic canoe.
Most of the time you will have to make a sacrifice between weight, durability, and price. It’s important to know all the types of kayak and canoe in order to make sure that you are choosing a canoe that perfectly fits your needs.
Carrying Capacity
If you are going to be carrying two people, then you need a canoe which will hold two people. If you are traveling as a family, then you will need a canoe which will hold everyone. Most canoes are rated for the number of people they hold, and this rough guide will tell you what you need to know.
There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. If you check out the canoe information, you will also find the weight it is rated for. Make sure that the combined weight of your passengers fall under this amount and you will be fine.
You will also need to think about how much weight you carry with you. Are you carrying a lot of fishing gear? You will need to ensure that your craft can carry all passengers and the cargo. It’s also good to know your information if you are canoeing with a toddler or a large group. There are many canoe games you can joy if you are heading out in a group.
It’s important that you abide by the instructions on your kayak as you want to stay as safe as possible. There are also some important canoeing safety items that can help you with that. You also want to get the best life jackets for canoeing and know you kayak self-rescue too.
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FAQs
Q: How Should Canoes Be Stored?
When you come to store your canoe, there are a few things you can do to make sure your canoe lasts:
- You will want to protect your canoe against the sun. Sunlight can degrade the material and dull the color (if you have an aluminum canoe then it is safe from the sun, but I recommend following this guideline anyway). Store your canoe inside or covered completely with a tarp. There are also sprays you can buy which will add a UV-resistant layer to your canoe.
- You will also want to make sure that your canoe is protected from water. This includes moisture from the ground as well as rain and snow. I would recommend inside storage if possible. If you are storing under a tarp, then make sure that the water cannot get inside, and store on a concrete pad or elevated if possible. If you live in an area that freezes, then heated storage should be thought about.
- Thieves love expensive canoes. There are some things which you can do to deter thieves from taking your canoe. Make sure that the canoe is hidden from view. It should also be stored on a hard to get to place. A thief should not be able just to grab it and run. Invest in a lock if you have spent a lot of money on your canoe and look into insurance for it.
- Your canoe can bend and warp if stored incorrectly. Store your canoe on its hull as much as you can. You should also store it horizontally and with the weight evenly dispersed. Do not store any weight on top of your canoe.
• As with all watercraft, you should make sure to clean your canoe before putting it into long-term storage. You do not want any salt or moisture getting into the material and eating away at it from the inside. Getting a kayak storage rack and hoist will be ideal for most canoes.
Q: What Are Canoes Made Of?
Plastic and fiberglass are now the most common materials to make canoes from. There are many benefits to using these. They are not lightweight, meaning a lighter canoe. Both of them are inexpensive, meaning a more affordable canoe. Both are easily moldable, meaning there is more variety to the shape and features.
Aluminum was the standard material and is still used in some canoes today. Aluminum also makes for a good-value canoe, but more importantly, it makes for a strong and durable canoe. If you are traversing rapids in your canoe, you will want an aluminum canoe to protect against damage. Aluminum canoes also last for a long time. If you want to invest in a canoe which will last longer than any other, then aluminum is the way to go.
Inflatable canoes are made from PVC. PVC is strong and flexible but is prone to more damage than other materials. Traditional canoes were made from wood, and you will still find some which are made from this material. Wood is durable and gives some flexibility. If you want something which looks great, then go for a wooden canoe.
Related Post: Canoe MaterialQ: How Much Do Canoes Weigh?
The weight of a canoe will be directly affected by the materials and size. On the lighter end, a canoe can weigh as little as 40-50 pounds. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a large canoe can weigh 120+ pounds.
Globo Surf Overview
Canoeing is one of the oldest methods of traversing water. The feel as you move sleekly through the water is a feeling like no other. Whether you want to move quickly by yourself or slowly with some passengers, the best canoes will not let you down.
Modern technology has come a long way, and the design and manufacture of canoes is something to behold. Having the best canoe can change your life and there are many canoeing and kayaking health benefits too. All that’s left to do is pick your favorite kayak and then head out to the water.
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