Motorized Canoes

[Steve in Idaho]

Haven't ever put a motor on a canoe here. If I want to do that, I'd have to title and license the canoe and maintain that registration for the life of the boat. Not really excited about that idea. There is a Grumman Sport Boat with trailer for sale locally that appears to be in perfect condition. It's tempting since it would be a great fishing boat, but his price is higher than I think it should be. ($4k)

 

[Keeled Over]

Years ago I clamped a 36 lb thrust electric trolling motor to the stern on my We-no-nah Jensen. It moved right along but the trolling battery was as heavy as the canoe and the hassle of carrying it all and setting it up just wasn't worth it. I think I used it about 3 times and went back to paddling.

The batteries have changed Gamma - in a good way. Much lighter now. And 36 on that Jensen should do very nicely. Problem is they cost a bunch.

 

[Keeled Over]

Haven't ever put a motor on a canoe here. If I want to do that, I'd have to title and license the canoe and maintain that registration for the life of the boat. Not really excited about that idea. There is a Grumman Sport Boat with trailer for sale locally that appears to be in perfect condition. It's tempting since it would be a great fishing boat, but his price is higher than I think it should be. ($4k)

Marathon boat is not too far from me and I have been watching for a good used one for YEARS. Perfect steelhead craft for the midwest. I have never come across one that I thought provided good value. Either beat up and asking too much, or not beat up and asking waaayyy too much. At the price for a good used one I figured I might as well just buy new.

 

[RustyCanuck]

We've had freight canoes in the family since I can remember, an 18' Tremblay my Dad and Uncle bought new in the early 70s. One wasn't enough to fit us all on trips so they built another in the garage over the winter. I remember them steaming and cursing getting it all together. Originally the plan was to restore one they found in a creek but it was too far gone so it was used an a kind of form. The end result was covered in orange Verolite(also from Tremblay I believe), and is still going strong. The young lads in the pics are in their 20s now, I went on similar trips in the same canoe when I was their age with my Dad and brothers. I'm bringing it to the cottage this summer, still have the 2hp Honda, perfect for exploring our little corner of Georgian Bay

 

[Robin]

Those are some great old pictures Rusty, hard to beat a square stern and children fishing out of them. My grandson loves fishing and my 16’er is just right for the two of us.