SWMBO is an avid photographer, and we would like a canoe that we could use to noiselessly move around on the water in order for her to get some good bird shots.
It would have to be very stable so as not to drop her expensive gear into the drink, and it would have to be virtually unsinkable for the same reason. It would also need to be sound insulated. I would prefer low seats for stability and also so we could have as low a profile as possible.
I also don't want to break the bank, of course.
I have seen one called the Sportspal, but I think you can only order them online, can't see one before buying.
Old Town makes the Predator, which has many of the same qualities as the Sportspal, but runs about $500 more.
Any suggestions or advice?
Thanks!
Coleman
I've had a Coleman for many years that I think would fit your requirements.
If you are of my size onlay a catamaran will suffice. :-$
I used to have a 14' Old Town. Its a hollow, core filled laminate and will not sink. Very sturdy, quiet, and light weight. I wouldn't hesitate to use it as you indicate. Get wood paddles, they're quieter when you bump the hull or have to push off a log, shore, brush, etc.
Seats are part of the stucture, so you can just sit on the bottom with a cushion for low profile.
Don't bother with aluminum if you want quiet. Every time you move or bump a log, they rattle. They are cheaper, but I doubt you'd be happy. Even though we'd duck hunt in one and could still sneak up on them.
Coleman
What model do you have, Mr. Ingram?
Have you ever tipped it over?
Put out riggers on what you buy, then she can move around and turn to follow or get her shots.
jud
Coleman
Don't know about model. It's a standard 15'. Maybe they have come out with some different models in recent years.
Have I tipped it over? Not on flat water or modest moving water. I have dumped it in some fairly decent rapids, but that was when I had a novice in the bow and she didn't know what to do. Fun times!
Yeah, I was just researching outriggers.
But, would all the other canoeists laugh at me? 😉
Coleman
> Have I tipped it over? Not on flat water or modest moving water. I have dumped it in some fairly decent rapids, but that was when I had a novice in the bow and she didn't know what to do. Fun times!
I think I will keep her camera gear away from the rapids. 🙂
Tippecanoe and Tyler too
Dennis-
Could not help myself ! 🙂 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippecanoe_and_Tyler_too
Now more serious .....
This looks bulky, but "rowable": http://flatbottomcanoe.com/Stability.htm
Coleman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippecanoe_and_Tyler_too
Outrigger: http://www.castlecraft.com/stabilizers.htm
We use Pelican case: http://www.pelican.com/canada/ for all our surveying "stuff" and the case is great !
May be applicable for SWMBO's cameras as when shut the case is waterproof.
Now, the chances of SWMBO's pics is/are ?
Cheers,
Derek
> Yeah, I was just researching outriggers.
>
> But, would all the other canoeists laugh at me? 😉
D.J., I'm going to tell you like an old farmer around here told me
"It don't make a damn if they like it as long as I like it."
WGAS if they laugh. 🙂
WGAS?
Tippecanoe and Tyler too
http://littlerock.craigslist.org/boa/2502992214.html
I think she would like this for photos.
N
You can find a durable, light, rigid, seated, boxed, river canoe.
Being stable is dependent upon experience of use.
They all float when upright or tipped over because of ballast.
Outriggers will work in some places and will be in the way.
Don't worry about the laughs, when you go canoeing, expect everything you take to get wet. That's why they make otter boxes and dry bags.
Those waterproof disposable cameras were made for water sports.
I had an 18ft Ouachita aluminum canoe that was a great family canoe for lake or river. It held alot of stuff and had a 750lb buoyancy limit. If you can keep your rear in the formed seat, it would stay afloat. One foot on the side rail and you and everything was wet in a second.
You have to be more careful in the bench seat types as your weight is not always centered.
Enjoy......
Get a Cat.
Oxymoron
> Oxymoron
My research says that is not necessarily so, but they cost bucks.
I am leaning toward the outrigger idea.
> Those waterproof disposable cameras were made for water sports.
Man, if I could get away with that I would. SWMBO is looking for quality pics that she can sell. The cost of her photo gear rivals the cost of my surveying gear.
Coleman
I used to have an 18' Coleman. I found it to be very heavy and wasn't impressed with the stability. Plus just being a single layer fiberglass or poly material, it would flex like an aluminum one. Plus it had metal rails. The best thing was it would easily hold 3 people, even 4 at times.
But that was a cheapy model (I think around $400). I know they make better ones. I traded it for a lawnmower & case of beer.
Try one of these
FUJIFILM XP30 Finepix with GPS
waterproof, shock proof, freeze proof, dust proof
get extra batteries..........when activated, the GPS feature eats alot of power real fast
I geotag every job these days and also most every place I go.
