Best_Family_Canoes

Canoeing is a wonderful way to experience the outdoors as a family and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. It is an activity everyone in the family can participate in and enjoy. For kids, it is a fun, healthy, and educational adventure. Investing in a family canoe is a great way to get the family out of the house and onto the water often.

You will want to get the best family canoe that has plenty of stability, is big enough for the whole family to fit in comfortably and has storage space and capacity for all the food and gear you will be bringing along. It should also be sturdy and durable so you can get years of enjoyment out of it.

Below, we’ve reviewed five canoes that fulfill these criteria and are perfect for canoeing as a family. All you have to do is check them out and choose the best one for your family. Speaking of choosing, below the reviews is a buying guide with what qualities to look for when buying a family canoe.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Old Town Saranac 160

Old Town Saranac 160


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Summary

The Old Town Saranac 160 is one of the best recreational canoes on the market and an excellent canoe for families because of how incredibly stable, spacious and durable it is. With three seats and a weight capacity of 700 to 750 pounds, it is a perfect canoe for family of 4. It is also dog-friendly.

A wide canoe with a flat bottom and low seats, it is very stable on the water and easy to paddle. Family members who are apprehensive at first will quickly be reassured. The bow and stern seats have seatbacks to keep paddlers comfortable. The center bench seat is perfect for young canoeists and the straight sides make this a safe canoe for kids.

The Saranac 160 has plenty of storage spaces to hold a lot of gear for longer trips. Under the center seat is a storage compartment and a cooler while the bow and stern seats feature molded-in storage trays and cup holders. If you would like to do some fishing while on the water, you will appreciate the rod holders and paddle rests. The thermoformed polyethylene hull resists abrasions and impacts very well.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • A large canoe with three seats
  • High capacity and plenty of storage room
  • Incredibly stable and comfortable
  • Has dry storage, cooler and cup holders
  • Suitable for longer trips
  • Straight sides for safety with kids
  • Abrasive and impact resistant construction
  • Lifetime warranty on the hull
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Length: 16 feet
Width: 37 inches
Bow Height: 18 in
Depth: 13.5 inches
Weight: 89lbs.
Weight Capacity: 700 to 750lbs.
Materials: Thermoformed polyethylene

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Sun Dolphin Scout SS

Sun Dolphin Scout SS


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Summary

If fishing will be an integral part of your family canoe adventures, the Sun Dolphin Scout SS is the best family canoe to go for. It can comfortably accommodate a family of two to four. With six built-in fishing rod holders, everyone can have a fishing line in the water at the same time. It is very stable and comfortable to fish out of. It is also easy to put a trolling motor so you can fish without the noise of paddling spooking the fish, as this canoe has a sturdy square stern transom for electric trolling motors.

A wide canoe with a shallow arch hull shape, it is efficient through the water and has excellent stability. The molded-in seats have enclosed air pockets that float so they aid in floatation of the canoe. Rugged and UV-stabilized Fortiflex polyethylene construction makes it a durable canoe that should last years with proper care.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Six built-in fishing rod holders
  • A spacious three seater
  • Very stable and tracks well
  • Sturdy square stern motor transom
  • Durable high-density polyethylene hull
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Length: 14′
Max Width: 38″
Center Depth: 15.5″
Weight: 84lbs.
Maximum Capacity: 765lbs.
Material: Fortiflex polyethylene

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3

BEST VALUE

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw SS 15.6

Sun Dolphin Mackinaw SS 15.6


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Summary

Spacious and super stable, The Sun Dolphin Mackinaw is a top rated canoe for family perfect for recreational paddling and catching fish. It is one large canoe that can accommodate two adults and 1 to 4 kids. With its 800 pounds weight capacity, it can also carry a high amount of fishing or camping gear. Storage options include a dry-storage container and a cooler under the center seat, beverage holders on each seat, and fishing rod holders.

Designed with a shallow arch hull shape for optimal stability and tracking, this canoe is a total joy to paddle and fish from. The square back allows for an electric trolling motor mount. High-density polyethylene construction is durable and you can rest assured you will have many years of adventures in it.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • A large canoe with a high weight capacity
  • Hull design optimizes stability and tracking
  • Dry storage and cooler under center seat
  • Built-in fishing rod holders
  • Beverage holders on every seat
  • Rugged and durable UV-stabilized hull
  • Two-year warranty on hull and parts
  • Trolling motor compatible square back
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Length: 15′ 6″
Max Width: 42″
Center Depth: 18.5″
Weight: 104lbs.
Maximum Capacity: 800lbs.
Material: Fortiflex polyethylene

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4

Sun Dolphin Scout Elite SS

Sun Dolphin Scout Elite SS


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Summary

The Scout Elite SS is an upgrade of the Scout SS. This Elite Version features an enhanced center console with a built-in cooler and storage compartment under the center seat. These storage spaces and the built-in fishing rod and oar holders make The Elite SS excellent for family canoeing and fishing excursions. It is also a square-backed canoe designed for use with electric trolling motors.

A three seater with a weight capacity of 765 pounds, it can comfortably accommodate two adults and one kid or two. A wide canoe with a shallow arch hull shape and a tumblehome side shape, it is a very stable canoe that glides smoothly through the water. The molded-in seat help with floatation. The hull material is a rugged and durable UV-stabilized Fortiflex polyethylene.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Has a cooler and storage hatch under the middle seat
  • A square stern transom compatible with a trolling motor
  • A stable canoe that tracks well
  • Molded-in seats aid in flotation
  • A sturdy and durable build
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Length: 14′
Width: 38″
Depth: 15.6″
Weight: 91lbs.
Maximum Capacity: 765lbs.
Material: Fortiflex polyethylene

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5

Mad River Adventure 16 Square Stern

Mad River Adventure 16 Square Stern


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Summary

Looking for a 5 person canoe or larger that will accommodate everybody and a lot of gear? The Adventure 16 by Mad River is at its best when fully loaded with riders and pounds of gear.

Its multi-chined shallow arch hull makes it easy to paddle and enables it to track exceptionally well. High-density polyethylene construction offers rugged durability. Other great features on this canoe include luxuriously comfortable seats, lipped gunnel, padded carry handles, and compatibility with a trolling motor.

Because of its design and high seats, it tends to move side to side and feel tippy. It is pretty tough to roll though, and has great secondary stability. For canoeing beginners and nervous riders, you may want to consider the other more confidence inspiring options on this list.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Very high capacity of 900 lbs
  • Large canoe with plenty of room
  • Very comfortable seats with adjustable seatbacks
  • Square stern for a trolling Motor
  • Lipped gunnel offers protection from sprays
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Length: 16′
Width: 37″
Depth: 14.5′
Weight: 84lbs.
Weight Capacity: 950lbs.
Material: High-density polyethylene

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How To Choose A Family Canoe – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_A_Family_Canoe

The best canoe for your family will depend on how many members are in it and what sort of adventures you plan to go on. Below are the most important considerations when choosing a canoe for family:

Size

The ideal canoe size will depend on how many people it will be carrying. Before you order a canoe, make sure it is roomy enough to accommodate your whole family and all your gear and that you have storage space for it at home. Check the weight of the canoe to ensure that carrying and transporting it won’t be a challenge.

The wider the canoe, the more stable it is. The narrower the craft, the more efficient it is to row. Longer canoes paddle faster once they get up to speed while shorter canoes tend to be easier to maneuver and well suited for exploring narrow streams.

Stability

One of the qualities that make canoes great family vessels is their stability. However, not all canoes are made equal when it comes to stability. Wide, flat bottom canoes have excellent initial stability and don’t tip easily. They are the best for flatwater paddling, fishing and general canoeing on calm bays, lakes or slow-moving rivers.

Quality

Make sure you get a top quality canoe that is made of high-quality material, offered by a reputable brand, backed by an impressive warranty, and highly rated by canoeists for its quality and performance. Such a top-quality canoe will offer the best experiences on the water and offer the best value for your money.

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Material

A tough hull material that can withstand abrasions and bangs is essential. The best family canoes reviewed here are made of high density polyethylene, which is one of the best materials for canoes. It is rugged, doesn’t scratch or cut easily, withstands harsh elements well and is lightweight.

Durability

Durability is vitally important in a family canoe. Kids will definitely be rough on it especially if they will be helping row it. Look for a canoe made using a tough material with high abrasion and impact resistance such as polyethylene and aluminum. Read its reviews to ensure it is a top rated canoe for family for its ability to hold up well when dragged up and down the beach and on rocky bottoms.

Weight Capacity

You want a canoe that can handle the weight of the whole family onboard without tipping over or becoming difficult to handle. Have the total weight of every member of your family and the amount of gear you will be carrying on your trips in mind and go for a canoe with a maximum weight rating well above your weight requirement.

Safety and Minimal Age

Safety is a key concern when you’re going to have kids on board. Ensure that you choose the best Canoe for family that is stable and offers a safe paddling experience on the water. There is no minimum age for canoeing. The only requirement is that kids should be old enough to wear a personal floatation device (PFD). The smallest PFDs are sized for infants (8-30 lbs.).

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FAQs

What_Is_The_Difference_Between_A_Kayak_And_A_Canoe

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Kayak And A Canoe?

A: 

With both paddle crafts packed side by side, the most obvious difference between a kayak and a canoe is the cockpit and gunwale design. A canoe has an open cockpit and gunwales rising above the waterline. A sit-in kayak has a closed cockpit with gunwales very close to the waterline. A sit on top kayak has an open cockpit but the gunwales are also near the waterline. On the water, a kayak is paddled with a double bladed paddle while a canoe is usually paddled with a single bladed paddle.

Related Post: Kayak VS Canoe

Q: Is There Age Restriction For Kids On Canoe?

A: 

No. The only requirement is that children on a canoe should wear a correctly fitted life jacket. This means that kids on canoe should at least be old enough to wear a PFD. The smallest PFDs are sized for infants weighing 8 – 30 pounds.

Q: Should We Wear A PFD of A Canoe?

A: 

Everyone in the canoe, including infants, must wear a PFD. The most important requirements are that the PFD must be correctly fitted and Coast Guard approved. If you can get life jackets for canoeing that are compatible with canoe seats, even better for comfort.

Globo Surf Overview

Canoeing is one of the best outdoor family activities. Canoeing with kids is also a way to instill a love of the outdoors in young ones. The best family canoe is stable, spacious, and durable. We hope that our family canoe reviews and guide will help you find the perfect canoe for your family that will be a great source of fun for the whole family for years to come. Happy paddling!

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