canoe or kayak suggestions

[Aaron Coffee]

I currently have a 16 foot Grumman aluminum canoe, problem is either I don't know how to handle it properly or it is just to dang big for me to handle all by myself. Have thought about getting a smaller canoe or kayak but not sure what I need or want. Go mostly on small calm lakes(electric motors or human power only)sometimes on a small river.

[Miriam C.]

Aaron if you get a "Canoe and Kayak" mag. or go on the website you will find a wonderful list. The 2008 buyers guide should be out too.

My Coleman is 110# and I can handle it from a trailer not to the roof of anything. Some of the middle end and upper end canoes are very light. The one I was looking at was 39#.

http://www.canoekayak.com/
Enjoy

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

Aaron,
Are you talking about paddling or portaging?
If portage, get another body or switch to a wood stripper...
If paddling, it shouldn't be a problem...
If you're by yourself, paddle from a kneeling position at midship or if sitting in a stern seat, use a J-Stroke and add it a little rudder action at the end of the "J".

[Miriam C.]

OK to handle it in the water just add a really full cooler to the front if you are sitting in back. I use the weight to keep the front down especially if using a motor. Helps in the wind too.

[Amish Classic]

Or go here
http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/

Best paddling web site on the net. Buyers guides,boat reviews,message boards,classified,photography,new product guides,trip sections,boating event calendars,and lots more.

I have been canoeing & kayaking for 25 years,what do you need to know?

[TPMcGinty]

I currently have a 16 foot Grumman aluminum canoe, problem is either I don't know how to handle it properly or it is just to dang big for me to handle all by myself. Have thought about getting a smaller canoe or kayak but not sure what I need or want. Go mostly on small calm lakes(electric motors or human power only)sometimes on a small river.

Aaron, I used to sell canoes and kayaks part time when I was stationed in Virginia. One of my favorite boats to sell, especially to beginners, was the Wilderness Systems Pungo. It is an easy paddling and stable boat. It comes in many sizes for the different size paddlers. I own one myself and it's the boat I would get rid of last. My advice to you is if you plan on paddling any distances then get as long a boat as you can. The short boats, while easy to turn on winding rivers, don't track as well and are harder to paddle straight.

[Wimperdink]

build your own. These are a hefty 55#.. Done right you can get them down to 35 or 40 lbs. 14' long and can carry by yourself. Took me a couple of weeks only working an hour or two per night. Most of it is waiting for epoxy to dry. Click

[raprap]

You could try a Canoe cart.

Actually I built mine using a coulpa old bicycle wheels and a picture of a canoe cart. Another option is to replace the middle thwart with one shaped to provide a more comfortable portage.

Actually on a tour through the fingerlakes with an Old Town Discovery and all our gear, my canoe partner and I worked out a deal. One of us would carry the canoe and paddles and the other the gear in this enormous oilskin bag called a Duluth pack. The decision was made by flipping a coin and the winner would carry the canoe. It was lighter.

Rap

[prohandyman]

Aaron
Are you wanting to fish or take photos from it?
Look at our club site - http://www.indyYaks.com
We use all types of kayaks, but alot of sit-on-tops!
Dan

[Aaron Coffee]

Mostly paddling and getting it to go in the direction I want is my trouble, sometimes cheat and use a trolling motor. When I take it camping I usually try to get a lakeside campspot. Just use it to get out and see nature. Have thought of making a cart, just haven't got a round to it(used to be a memo going round, before email about a round tuit).

[prohandyman]

Check out these boats. Both very nice and Maneuverable!
http://www.nucanoe.com/

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/

[Joseph]

I have a 35# Old Town Pack and I love it.

Joseph

[Sonetpro]

Look at the SOT's (sit on top). There are alot of brands out their. Most are capable of putting a rudder on them.
I have paddled SINKs (sit in kayak) before and they are great for whitewater as they lower your center of gravity but difficut to flip and get back in should you flip.
The longer skinnier yaks track straight and are fast but they are the least stable. The shorter wider yaks are the mot stable but they are slower and don't track staight. So it is a bit of a trade off.
The best thing to do is to try different ones out to see what you are comfortable in. It is like a pair of shoes, your size and weight will make a big difference in the way any particular kayak handles.

For calm lakes this would be some I would prefer.
Hobie make some very nice yaks and gives you the option of peddle power. They are expensive though.
http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/index.html

Hurricane make some slick and light kayaks out of trylene. These yaks look like sports cars and are very light. The Phoenix 140 and 160 are awesome. The 140 will probally be my next yak.
http://www.hurricaneaquasports.com/models.html

Ocean Kayak make nice ones too. any of the Prowlers.
http://www.oceankayak.com/

Nice yaks. The Ride or any of the Tarpons.
http://www.wildernesssystems.com/

The extreme on the xfactor if you are a big guy. I fish in a Pro Explorer
http://www.malibukayaks.com/kayaks.asp


The king of offshore yak's but the Tourer is a good calm water boat.
http://www.cobrakayaks.com/

This is the Fishing site I am on. There is alot of reviews of yak's here.
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/portal.php

[Miriam C.]

Mostly paddling and getting it to go in the direction I want is my trouble, sometimes cheat and use a trolling motor. When I take it camping I usually try to get a lakeside campspot. Just use it to get out and see nature. Have thought of making a cart, just haven't got a round to it(used to be a memo going round, before email about a round tuit).

Aaron, most of the canoe sites give directions on how to paddle a canoe and get directions down. The type of paddle you are using will make a difference too. Takes some practice to get it right every time (not something I get) If you are in the wind you will still do better with some weight in the front.

In winter you can sit in a kitchen chair and practice your paddle stroke. Try a mirror so you get a good look at what you are really doing.

A shorter canoe will turn better but is slower.

[kiacker]

Have thought of making a cart, just haven't got a round to it(used to be a memo going round, before email about a round tuit).

It's real easy to make your own Kayak/canoe cart from pvc pipe. There's lots of sites online with pictures and instructions. I just made a pvc cart (for under $25) that will fit both my tandom wide kayak and my narrower solo sea kayak, so I would think you could fit/build one for a canoe. Mine breaks down into 4 smaller pieces so it will fit into my cargo hold in either kayak.

Like everyone suggested here - try out several boats before you decide on what's best for your needs. I have different uses for a kayak so have ended up with two different kayaks to fit the bill. If I'm looking for a short lake paddle or river float where I need good control and turning ability, I take my tandem which is short and wide. Those are usually the times I have a passenger also. If I'm looking to do a longer lake paddle or all day paddle trip, I take my solo sea kayak which is narrower, longer, lighter, and has a retractable rudder making it track easier and a joy to paddle long distances. Also watch what material a kayak/canoe is made of - some are lighter than others.

I find paddling a kayak much easier than a canoe (never mastered the single paddle technique!), but to me it really doesn't matter what you have, just as long as you're out on the water!