RE: Who takes Canoe s or Kayaks ?

[Papaso]

 
Just thinking about buying a canoe to take with us on trips where we can use them, which is just about everywhere we go. I haven t been on one in 20 years and I m wondering just how many people take them and use them, and any recomendations on what type to buy or not to buy. Thanks
 

[GeneF]

 Papaso
I think you are going to have to ask yourself what you are going to use them for.  If you start doing some investigating, you will find that there are as many different models of canoes and kayaks as there are cars.
 
 DW and I have Swifty Perceptions which we use on small lakes and quiet rivers.  Several of our friends have these and we often get together for an afternoon float down a river or a lunch and a swim on a lake.  They are not whitewater kayaks.
 
 These kayaks area about 9  6"  and weigh about 38 pounds.  They are very stable and have a large cockpit for ease of gettting in and out.  These are entry level kayaks and cost about $300.  Then figure about 40 to 80 for a paddle and 50 to 75 for a vest.  They turn easy and are fun to paddle but there is not a lot of glide so you do do a lot of paddling.
 
 As for a canoe, our first was a Coleman 15 footer that you can get at Wally World for about $329.  We bought it in 89 and had it for about 10 years.  I use to put an electric motor on it for fishing.  
 
 I believe that it weighs about 64 pounds and if you get one, you may have to put it together yourself which isn t that difficult.
 
 It was a fun canoe, took a beating and held up well.  Again, this is an entry level canoe and you can expect to do a little work paddling it.  As for stability, any canoe can be flipped easily.
 
 If weight is a problem for you, it is for me, then you can go to the more expensive canoes made out of Kevlar.  I currently have a Wenonah Adirondack that weighs about 47 pounds, cost $1100,  There is quite a difference in paddling this one verses the Coleman. It glides very well and is more stable.  If it was strictly Kevlar, it would weigh about 36 pounds but the cost is about $1500.
 
 If there is a canoe or kayak dealer near you, see if they are having a demonstration day.  This would give you a chance to try out several different kayaks and canoes before you buy.
 
 Try the following link.
 http://www.wenonah.com/home/
 
 They have a pretty good section on different types of canoes and construction.

[sandykayak]

 Papaso
Papaso, take your butt down to Florida Bay Outfitters in Key Largo - next to the Caribbean Club.  Tell  em Sandy Kramer sent you (Monica and Frank Woll are the owners).
 
 They have a large assortment of canoes and kayaks and you can demo them there plus get excellent information.
 
 I have www.prorac.com racks on my wee Jayco.  This is great for loading boats (I m a kayaker) as long as your camp site is right near the put-in.
 
 BTW, we tried to reserve sites at Bahia Honda and at Long Key for the August 8-10th and there is nothing available.  What is going on?

[Papaso]

 Papaso
Thanks for the Wenonah link Gene, it s the kind of info I was looking for. I just glanced thru it, but I ll analyze it a more later. Some of us still have to put in our 12 hours.[]
 Sandy I knew you would reply, I m headed down to Long Key this weekend and we ll stop by and check out Florida Bay. I have reservations for Pennekamp on August 15th. and again at Long Key on September 5th. We still have not decided what to do for Thanksgiving but Silver River sounds great. Just have this tradition of spending it with my brothers that s holding us up. I ll let you know.

[Ab Diver]

 Papaso
Papaso, we ve taken both canoes and kayaks with us on our trips, depending on where we are going and the intended activities. For just fishing, taking some light yet bulky gear, gentle paddling around on quiet waters... a canoe is great, especially for more than one person.
 
 Kayaks can come in as many different types and configurations as there are water activities and experience levels. If you plan on actually getting off the kayak and doing some swimming/diving, I d recommend a " sit-on-top"  style. Sandy s advice to visit a canoe/kayak outfitter s store is right on target. Experienced personnel can help you make the right choice for you and what you want to do.
 
 As for us, I take my kayaks whenever possible. We recently participated in a small rally of PUT members where kayaking on the ocean was one the fun activities we enjoyed during the weekend.

[TG1956]

 Papaso
We take a Perception Jocasse two-person kayak. it s pretty heavy (85#), but we have a great time with it. It s great for gliding along a tree-lined shore and watching the wildlife.
 
 Contrary to popular opinion and IMHO, the kayak we have is much more stable than a canoe. It has a lower center of gravity (yo sit at about water level) and it offers less exposure to the wind when paddling across large lakes.
 
 The downside is that it doesn t hold as much stuff as a canoe. But my son and I did take it on an overnight float trip and we were able to carry everything. You just need to pack it like you would a back pack.
 
 Talking to a dealer is a great idea. They are usually very helpful and very excited about their sport. In the meantime, here s a couple of good websites to check out.
 
 Canoe & Kayak Magazine:
 http://www.canoekayak.com/
 
 Paddling.net - Great resource:
 http://www.paddling.net/
 
 Paddler On line:
 http://www.paddlermagazine.com/
 
 
 Have fun!!

[2manytoyz]

We have a canoe and a kayak.  The canoe is optimal for cold weather, the yak perfect for our FL Summers.  Since our yak is a SOT (Sit On Top), it is a wet ride.  It's more stable than our canoe and easier to paddle.  The canoe is also very subject to weather vaning in high winds due to its high sides.  Both have their place, which is why I own both.

The new canoe was under $300 locally.  It's an Indian River Canoe.  Fiberglass, no frills.

The yak is made by Ocean Kayak.  It was $600, plus $90 for each paddle, plus about $80 for each backrest (a must).

Another big plus for the yak is being able to get back on the boat in deep water.  A practically impossible task in a canoe.  The yak goes with us to the FL Keys as a snorkeling platform.

Pics online:  
http://www.2manytoyz.com/yak.html
http://www.2manytoyz.com/lkey.html

[Tentcamp]

Hey, we've missed you!   Welcome!

[2manytoyz]

Hey, we've missed you!   Welcome!

Thanks!

Like a bad penny...

 :p

[K-man]

I take an Ocean Kayak Ambush with us on trips.  It has several positives, and the only downside is the weight. (about 100lbs.)  I like it because it is very stable (expecially when one of my daughters is with me, or loaded with decoys and a dog for duck hunting.)  It has a transom on the back if I want to put a trolling motor on it.  (which is nice for big lakes) It has an extra seat that is removable so two people ride very comfortably.  Any way having a boat along with you can add xtra enjoyment to your camping experience.

Keenan

[griffsmom]

We have two Ocean Kayak Pro Scuppers that we carry on yakima racks on the PU.  I'm hoping that we'll be able to use them more often as our 3 y/o DS gets older.