Brand new to canoeing. Advice needed.

[Jabbalaugh]

Thanks for the add guys!!

So I’m completely new to canoeing. I’ve been researching on what canoe to get for mainly lake paddling/fishing but I need good capacity because I’m a big guy.

I have access to a free Coleman Canoe but it has no keel. Would this be a huge issue on a calm lake?

I also plan on adding outriggers and didn’t know if that would act as a keel in the water or not.


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[sweeper]

Welcome to the board. Good canoes don't need Keels

Check out Craig's List for deals.

 

[Jabbalaugh]

It had one but was removed for river paddling...


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[Sweetfancymoses]

I agree, no keel needed. As for outriggers, I don't think you'd need them either unless you want to stand in the canoe for fishing. Make sure to get some instruction on paddling strokes either in person, by youtube, or from a book. Otherwise you will get frustrated.

 

[riverstrider]

The presence of a keel usually means either poor design or poor construction. As others have said, you don't really need a keel. If you need an outrigger I'd recommend that you buy or devise one that can be attached as needed to the gunnels, but removed when paddling...they would otherwise just be in the way and decrease efficiency while paddling. If you're primarily fishing, look into one of the Radisson canoes with sponsons...best fishing canoe ever made...but the worst canoe ever for just about every other type of canoe use or paddling. I'd recommend looking at something that is at least 15-16 feet long, with a semi-V hull. And read up on canoes before you buy...get a hold of a Buyers Guide issue of Paddling magazine, or even the Wenonah catalog which usually has a good basic explanation on canoe design vs. purpose.

-rs

 

[Sweetfancymoses]

As for outriggers, I don't think you'd need them either unless you want to stand in the canoe for fishing.

That said, I have a set for sale. They came with a used canoe I bought.

 

[Iskweo]

Aaaahhhh yes the infinitely available Coleman. dang they made a lot of those. We have a friend who swears by his. We even tried to give him my Bruiser. No way would he give up his trusty Coleman. You may find it is all the canoe you need right now. Fret not over the keel...they were used on canvas covered canoes to protect the hull when dragging them up on shore. It has no effect in the water at all.

Outriggers. dang that is a bold move. If they make you more comfortable, go for it. You can leave them out when you get more used to the boat. Every time I paddle a different boat I get the twitchies until I get used to it. Get rid of all them other boats you say! Maybe I will. You just keep paddling.

 

[frozentripper]

I have access to a free Coleman Canoe... I’m completely new to canoeing...

One option before buying something else might be to spend some time in the Coleman to find out whether you actually like canoeing enough before committing to upgrades and spending $$$... if it does really grab you, then by all means spend the money. If not so much, maybe the Coleman will do.

Another option before jumping right into it, might be to rent something more suitable and test-paddling on a canoe trip before buying. Just a thought, brought on by all those Colemans out there with the owners never feeling the need to upgrade... happy paddles.

 

[yellowcanoe]

Keep your head inside the gunwale boundaries and do not look back Out of bounds heads cause misery and wetness
Buy a decent set of paddles that are not akin to heavy lumber. Grey Owl Voyagers are reasonably priced and not too heavy.
Worry about what canoe later.
Don't forget to wear a decent fitting PFD, It should be comfortable and not ride up when you are in the water. Test swim .

 

[sweeper]

Get something you can afford to paddle. Even if a cheap wrong canoe, most of the time you can get your money back on it. Do some improvements to it and you can flip for more money.

Welcome to the Slippery Slope of Canoe Trading.

 

[Canotrouge]

Rent/borrow different canoes, to try and to see if you like it. Take lessons, and try different canoe from that instructor/school. Keep renting different boats and put them all in the situation where you will be using your boat most often until you find the one that feel perfect for you at that time( cause what feel right now might not feel right a few years down the road after gaining experience!)

Have fun