|
|
|
|
|---|
| Connecticut Water Trails Association |
|
Connecticut Water Trails Program Canoe Basics
How To Choose A Canoe - What Type Of Canoeist Are You ?
When shopping for your boat go to knowledgeable boat
dealers, ask questions, and try before you buy. Many boat shops will
allow you to actually test models, and I highly recommend testing as
many as you can because you'll be amazed at the differences in ease of
paddling, tracking, maneuvering, and stability between the different
models.
What Type Of Canoeist Are You
The first consideration in choosing your canoe is to determine what type of canoeist you are. It's getting very common for paddlers to own several types of boats to accommodate a variety of paddling environments. And if you take the leap into canoe camping I would almost guarantee you will have you own collection of boats someday. But for now, let's get you started on choosing your first boat. First you need to determine what type of paddling you will be doing. Even though you are going to be canoe camping there are still different types of environments to consider. Some like to spend an entire week wilderness tripping large lakes up north, while others like the lazy rivers, and still others like to hit the faster rivers. You also need to determine how many passengers are going to be in your boat. Are you paddling solo or with a partner? Do you have small children you want to take along? These are all considerations when shopping for a boat.
Canoe Design
The design of the canoe dramatically affects the performance of the canoe. For example, the length of the canoe affects more than just the comfort and the amount of gear you can haul. It also affects speed and maneuverability. Longer canoes are faster and are an advantage in flat water and long distance expedition conditions. Shorter canoes are more maneuverable and are an advantage in situations where nimbleness and paddling agility are necessary. Other important design features are symmetry and keel line. They both affect canoe performance dramatically and are considerations when making your canoe purchase. This primer article was written to increase your basic knowledge of canoe designs and to help you in your canoe selection. Canoe Length: is measured from stem to stem of the canoe
Canoe Length 17ft and Over
Pros - faster on
flat water lakes and rivers, better glide, and increased capacity
Cons - less
maneuverable, less initial stability, depending on construction
materials, can be heavier than shorter canoes
Canoe Length 14 to 17ft Pro - moderate speed and glide, moderate maneuverability, can be paddled solo
Cons - slower
than longer canoes, doesn't haul as much gear as longer canoes
Canoe Length Under 14ft Pros - greater maneuverability, greater stability Cons - slower than longer canoes, less glide
Straight Keel Line
Pros - greater
tracking and speed Cons - less maneuverable
Straight Keel Line Rockered Ends
Pros - moderate
speed and glide, moderate maneuverability
Cons
- reduced tracking and speed than straight keel line, less
maneuverability than highly rockered boats
Highly Rockered Keel Line
Pros
- greatest maneuverability
Cons
- forward speed and tracking greatly reduced
Canoe Symmetry : is the shape of the canoe viewed from above
Symmetrical
Design
Pros -
predictable handling and can be paddled in reverse for solo canoeing
Cons - slower
than asymmetrical canoes
Asymmetrical Design
Pros - greater
forward speed and glide Cons - not suitable for solo paddling backwards and can be wet when paddling into rapids
Above-Waterline
Shape
These boats are designed
to be used with a small motor or to be rowed. Paddling them is more
difficult as the square stern creates a drag on the boat. They also
difficult to back paddle. As an alternative to a square stern canoe, you
can use a motor mount. This is an ideal solution for occasional motor
use.
|
|||||||||
 |
|
