Though a canoe may have a nice
shape and be built with good quality materials, there is no
ideal canoe for all-around use. A canoe must first and foremost
meet your needs. Will you be using it for
recreation, routing, river running or tripping?
Recreation
Recreational canoes are mainly
used by people who want to paddle on lakes, ponds or quiet
rivers. Their versatility and stability make them a preferred
choice for families and newcomers to the sport of paddling.
These canoes have an overall
length ranging between 14 to 16 feet (4 to 4.88 meters)
and a depth varying from 12 to 14.5 inches (30.5 to 36.8 centimeters).
Touring
Touring watercrafts tend to be
more technical than the recreational ones. They are long,
narrow and designed for efficiency, e.g. manoeuvrability,
speed and tracking. They are versatile and can be used in
a variety of water conditions, ranging from quiet lakes to
moderate whitewater.
These canoes have an approximate
overall length ranging from 16 to 18 feet (4.88 to 5.49 meters)
and a depth of 13 to 14.5 inches (33 to 36.8 cm).
River Running or Tripping
These watercrafts have more rocker
for improved manoeuvrability. They are deep and flare at the
ends for dryness. They are built to withstand heavy abuse.
These canoes vary from 13 to
16 feet (3.96 to 4.88 meters) and a depth of 14.5 to 16 inches
(36.8 to 40.6 cm).
Other Considerations
Weight and Hardiness
It is very difficult to conciliate both
weight and hardiness. Remembers that if you wish to harmoniously
integrate lightness and hardiness, you may have to buy a more
sophisticated canoe, and pay a higher price.
Abrasion
It's the abrasion resulting from various
frictions that usually damage canoes. If you by a canoe made
from resistant materials, you can avoid these abrasions. Aluminium,
ABS, polyethylene, and other types of materials resist well
to abrasions. You can also turn the fibreglass / epoxy or
fibreglass / polyester canoes or kayaks. Most other cloth
canoes or kayaks have a weak resistance to abrasion.
It is important to note that
certain materials, such as aluminium, don't slide over rocks
but rather have a tendency to grip to them.
Material Facility
Before making you final decision, do not forget
to consider the level of maintenance required for the canoe
you are considering. If you like running river or whitewater,
be aware that you may have to repair it at some point. The
fibreglass, kevlar, wood and cloth canoes tend to be easier
to repair or restore that aluminium and ABS canoes.
