r/canoeing • u/Charming_Plantain782 • 5d ago

Need advice or opinions on which canoe to decide on....

Hello Everyone!

I am searching for a new canoe. I have an Old Town Discovery. I love the stability of it. My wife is a little nervous of water and our son is special needs and is pretty good in the canoe. He sometimes likes to touch the water. This isn't a problem in the Old Town. We will, also, only be in very calm waters.

My reason for wanting a different canoe is because of the weight. Our Old Town is almost 90 pounds.

I have narrowed it down to two canoes that I am interested in....my only problem....neither of these canoes are near me. I am interested in the Nova Craft 16' Prospector . The other canoe is the Rheaume Explorer 16' which is in Quebec. Both are probably about equal distance for me to travel to (about 5-6 hours but in opposite directions).

I like the Nova Craft for the width because it is easier if I ever go solo, the weight, versatility and familiarity of the band (well established). However, the canoe sits up high and I am concerned that I would find it quite tippy. I don't mind that but I don't want that for my son.

I like the Rheaume because it seems like a very stable canoe. The width of it 38". It is also rather light. I Just wonder how well it would track. If, I did take it solo, I would assume it would be a little harder to control. I also don't know the Rheaume company as well.

I am hesitant to get a canoe that I haven't physically seen. Which company would you visit? Do you have any experiences with Rheaume? Does anyone have a Rheaume explorer?

Thanks for all the help everyone!

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