My Range of Use: Canoeing - River and Lakes
Canoe Camping
Canoe Fishing (predominately bass fishing) - River and Lakes
Amount of Use: Heavy
My Take: Tough and Reliable
Check out the Video and Pictures Below
I have used this canoe exclusively for a 3 years now, and although it has fit my needs, this canoe is not for everyone. And you ask why, The answer, ITS HEAVY. The Specs on this canoe say its only 78 lbs, but I am telling you it will be the heaviest 78 lbs you will ever lift. Just remember weight and stability go hand in hand as far as a fishing/hunting canoe. It is label as a three man canoe, which would be possible if everyone is situated and no real serious fishing is going on, and you are just paddling.
For me after a few minor modifications (see pics) to make it more suited for my needs, its great. The maximum weight capacity is 750lbs, I don't even come near that. The most weight I have ever canoed with is 350 lbs (that's including me) on a solo river camping trip for 5 days and it handled super. The beam of this canoe is 42" with a relatively flat bottom which makes this canoe very stable. This canoe is so stable, it allows me to stand and fish for long stretches at times when heavy boat traffic is not around or when winds aren't kicking up chop on the water. Also with the weight of the canoe you can use an anchor safely to hold your position, no problem. I don't recommend anyone standing up in a canoe if they are not experience canoeist.
It handles surprisingly extremely well. And I can't tell you why. With the weight it shouldn't, I am not claiming it handles like a 37 lb canoe, but it does handle well. I can maneuver anyway I want.
It does have dry storage which I have never had a problem with leaking , and I have been in some torrential downpours. It also has a built in cooler, which is nice during really steamy days, but I only half use it for that, most of the time I keep camera gear and other electronics in it. It not listed as waterproof sealed but I have never a problem. What you personally use it for is endless. Comfort is big deal when you are in a confined space many, many hours, and with a good seat (with backrest) this fits the bill. It does have three cup holders which is okay, I personally modified one to be a stand for my camera.
I recommend a couple things as far as this canoe goes:
1) If you are launching a distance from where you unload your canoe, get a canoe cart.
2) Get a canoe rack and loading system for your truck/car - Take careful measurements this a wide beam canoe, they all don't fit.
Here are the exact specifications of this canoe:
LENGTH:13' 11"
WIDTH:42"
WEIGHT:78 LBS.
CAPACITY:750 LBS.
HP RATING:2.5 HP MAX
MATERIAL:High-Density Polyethylene
COLORS:Burgundy Green Olive
This canoe works extremely well for me, on the water it is an absolute Cadillac. This is not for the rapids over Class II (that is a stretch) or long portages, if those are the conditions you will be faced with, this is not for you. If you are fishing lakes beware of high winds (with winds come heavy chop), as with any canoe it could be dangerous. On flip side there is something very simplistic and easy about just dropping a canoe and stealth fishing where bass boats can't venture.
If your range of use is similar to mine, this is you.
Canoe Camping
Canoe Fishing (predominately bass fishing) - River and Lakes
Amount of Use: Heavy
My Take: Tough and Reliable
Check out the Video and Pictures Below
I have used this canoe exclusively for a 3 years now, and although it has fit my needs, this canoe is not for everyone. And you ask why, The answer, ITS HEAVY. The Specs on this canoe say its only 78 lbs, but I am telling you it will be the heaviest 78 lbs you will ever lift. Just remember weight and stability go hand in hand as far as a fishing/hunting canoe. It is label as a three man canoe, which would be possible if everyone is situated and no real serious fishing is going on, and you are just paddling.
For me after a few minor modifications (see pics) to make it more suited for my needs, its great. The maximum weight capacity is 750lbs, I don't even come near that. The most weight I have ever canoed with is 350 lbs (that's including me) on a solo river camping trip for 5 days and it handled super. The beam of this canoe is 42" with a relatively flat bottom which makes this canoe very stable. This canoe is so stable, it allows me to stand and fish for long stretches at times when heavy boat traffic is not around or when winds aren't kicking up chop on the water. Also with the weight of the canoe you can use an anchor safely to hold your position, no problem. I don't recommend anyone standing up in a canoe if they are not experience canoeist.
It handles surprisingly extremely well. And I can't tell you why. With the weight it shouldn't, I am not claiming it handles like a 37 lb canoe, but it does handle well. I can maneuver anyway I want.
It does have dry storage which I have never had a problem with leaking , and I have been in some torrential downpours. It also has a built in cooler, which is nice during really steamy days, but I only half use it for that, most of the time I keep camera gear and other electronics in it. It not listed as waterproof sealed but I have never a problem. What you personally use it for is endless. Comfort is big deal when you are in a confined space many, many hours, and with a good seat (with backrest) this fits the bill. It does have three cup holders which is okay, I personally modified one to be a stand for my camera.
I recommend a couple things as far as this canoe goes:
1) If you are launching a distance from where you unload your canoe, get a canoe cart.
2) Get a canoe rack and loading system for your truck/car - Take careful measurements this a wide beam canoe, they all don't fit.
Here are the exact specifications of this canoe:
LENGTH:13' 11"
WIDTH:42"
WEIGHT:78 LBS.
CAPACITY:750 LBS.
HP RATING:2.5 HP MAX
MATERIAL:High-Density Polyethylene
COLORS:Burgundy Green Olive
This canoe works extremely well for me, on the water it is an absolute Cadillac. This is not for the rapids over Class II (that is a stretch) or long portages, if those are the conditions you will be faced with, this is not for you. If you are fishing lakes beware of high winds (with winds come heavy chop), as with any canoe it could be dangerous. On flip side there is something very simplistic and easy about just dropping a canoe and stealth fishing where bass boats can't venture.
If your range of use is similar to mine, this is you.