Aluminum canoes used be extremely popular in campgrounds and parks across the continent. Thanks to their durability, many of those canoes may still be on some lakeside racks today.
Aluminum canoes are dependable boats that require virtually no maintenance. What they lack in looks and grace, they make up for in grit. An aluminum canoe is great for those who want something you don’t have to worry about.
If this sounds like you, read on…
We’ve put this guide together to help you make it easier to find the best aluminum canoe, with buyer’s advice including a listing of all the boats on the market.
How Aluminum Came to Be the Canoe Material of Choice
Necessity is often the mother of invention, and this is certainly the case with aluminum canoes. Grumman is especially known for its skill in aluminum production and continues to be so. Grumman was one of the biggest American manufacturers of military planes.
The Air Force participated in WWII and has since maintained a presence in aviation, even leading to the production of two space shuttles.
As WWII was coming to an end, Grumman searched for alternative designs to try and limit the number of people that had to be laid off. One of the numerous designs they thought of was an aluminum canoe.
At the period, wooden canoes were highly popular, but the average weight was around 60 lbs, however the first Grumman was a lot lighter at 38 lbs.
The Grumman canoes that were recently released were not only lighter in weight, but also had considerable sturdiness. They were able to put up with a lot of wear-and-tear and use for river canoeing, and did not necessitate repeatedly needing maintenance.
Other companies soon saw potential in the same market that Grumman had and took advantage of it.
The aluminum canoe has become less popular compared to the more modern plastic ones in terms of design. Wooden items are not quite as sophisticated or as simple to make on a large scale as plastic items.
Still, some people display great loyalty to aluminum canoes due to their sturdiness, as well as a bit of sentimentality.
Benefits of Aluminum Canoes
Durable
Aluminum canoes continue to be the most long-lasting canoes available, regardless of whether they are used on the water or land. Many summer camps have been using the same aluminium canoes for years, and many households hand their canoe down through the family.
These canoes are durable enough to resist the impacts of rocks in white water, as well as the typical bumps and bruises encountered while inexperienced kids are learning to canoe. No extraordinary storage systems are required for these items.
An aluminum canoe is able to resist dirt, precipitation, snow, and ultraviolet radiation, meaning it can be left out in any condition without harm.
Repairable
If you manage to somehow damage an aluminum canoe, it can be easily fixed. It is possible to usually fix dents with a rubber mallet. If you crack the canoe, you can repair it by either soldering the split together or patching it up with a piece of aluminium and it will be good to use again.
In the wilderness, these repair kits can still be utilized for a modern canoe, albeit not optimum for the situation.
Recyclable
Aluminum canoes are the eco-friendly choice of canoes. They will remain usable for an extended period of time, likely many times longer than other canoes, thus minimizing the amount of resources necessary.
Then there’s the fact that aluminum is fully recyclable. When the day arrives that you need to say goodbye to your dependable aluminum canoe, there will be a number of scrap metal businesses willing to buy it from you.
Drawbacks of Aluminum Canoes
Noisy
When your paddle hits the sides of an aluminum canoe, the noise will echo throughout the vessel. This could come in handy if you need to frighten away bears or other animals. Mostly, though, it’s just irritating.
If you’re a fisherman or a hunter, an unplanned bump on your kayak can startle away the fish or game you are after.
Expensive
It would likely be advantageous to view an aluminum canoe as a prolonged expenditure that will be beneficial for you and your relatives over a significant amount of time. They are not cheap. If you are looking for an inexpensive canoe, rotomolded plastic is the ideal option.
In the event that you make the payment right now, you could own a canoe that will last you throughout the rest of your life.
Heavy
Like all canoes, aluminum canoes vary in their weight. When they emerged onto the scene, they were the most lightweight option available. The materials used in canoes have been improved upon since then, making them one of the heavier options available.
This renders them slow on the water and less fit for extended voyages, especially those that require portaging.
Stick to Rocks
When you hit a rock in a river, you want your canoe to glide smoothly away from it so you can continue going downstream. Aluminum canoes just don’t do this, though.
It appears that they can attach themselves to rocks, which results in tricky circumstances if you have to unstuck yourself while in the middle of maneuvering.
Cold
Aluminum is a good absorber of heat and the canoes made of it can be uncomfortably chilly in the wintertime. When you initially sit in the canoe, your bottom will become aware of how chilled the seat is and each time you come into contact with the canoe, your hands will feel like they are adhering to it.
If paddling frequently in cold weather, you may wish you had chosen a plastic canoe rather than something else, although it is not the most important factor.
Unrefined
Aluminum canoes are not usually as well-designed as materials that are more current. The canoes they produce typically cater to recreational users, and do not have the sophisticated features that are included with white water and tripping canoes.
The benches are commonly an unadorned block of aluminum with no air flow or runoff, so if you are in a hot climate your derrière can end up extremely warm and bothersome.
Yes, aluminum canoes provide a smooth and pleasant experience for casual paddling, but they may not have the components necessary for navigating certain climates.
Average Cost of a Canoe
Investing in a canoe is an important choice, as they can cost, on average, up to $900 or maybe even more. It is certainly a commitment that necessitates a thorough study on your part.
If you want to obtain a second-hand canoe, it will cost you approximately $400, which is a hefty sum for a single object.
The majority of first-rate canoes, especially from esteemed companies, will be priced in the thousands of dollars. If you don’t take canoeing seriously, it’s best to avoid these things until you become a committed canoer.
The cost of the canoe will be dependent on the brand, what it is composed of, how big it is, and if it is pre-owned or not.
Remember that if you opt for a second-hand canoe, the cost is completely at the decision of the person selling it. It is likely possible to find a normal cost for a used canoe, however some sellers may price their item based on the state it is in and how eager they are to sell it.
Always try to negotiate a fair price.
New vs. Used
Let us begin by examining the state of the canoe once it has been purchased. This will undoubtedly lead to a significant change in cost. Canoes depreciate like almost every other product out there.
When deciding to purchase a canoe, there are benefits and drawbacks to buying a new or pre-owned one.
Used :
- Cost less
- Less value depreciation
- Possibility of negotiations
BUT watch out for…
- Prior damages
- Lack of warranty
- No returns
New:
- Warranty available
- Better conditions
- Brand new/Never been used
BUT watch out for…
- Higher prices
- Great value loss
- Sales Tax
Altogether, every situation has its advantages and disadvantages! What’s important is choosing what is best for you.
Typically, the more aged the canoe is, the more affordable it will be. If you want to get rid of your 20-year-old canoe, you probably won’t be able to get as much money for it.
Let’s take a deeper look at well-liked canoes and the benefits they provide.
Canoe Prices – New and Used
This list comprises popular brands and models as examples.
| Brand | Model | New ($) | Used ($) |
| 1. MyCanoe | Origami Folding Canoe | 1,600 | 1,290 |
| 2. Mad River | Adventure 14 | 770 | 525 |
| 3. Mad River | Adventure 16 | 880 | 795 |
| 4. Mad River | Explorer 16 | 2,460 | 900 |
| 5. Grumman | Double Ender | 1,730 | 1,550 |
| 6. Grumman | Solo 129 | 1,160 | 1,000 |
| 7. Sun Dolphin | Mackinaw 15.6 | 1,000 | 550 |
| 8. Sun Dolphin | Scout SS | 600 | 400 |
| 9. Nova Craft | Prospector 15 | 999 | 780 |
| 10. Old Town | Discovery 119 | 880 | 700 |
| 11. Old Town | Discovery 158 | 1,000 | 680 |
| 12. Old Town | Penobscot 164 | 1,200 | 900 |
| 13. Old Town | Charles River | 1,100 | 650 |
| 14. Sevylor | Colorado | 520 | 340 |
| 15. Sevylor | Ogden | 350 | 260 |
| 16. Sevylor | Rio | 399 | 295 |
| 17. Clipper | Yukon | 1,550 | 1,285 |
| 18. Wenonah | Minnesota II | 2,900 | 1,500 |
| 19. Wenonah | King Fisher | 2,700 | 1,500 |
| 20. Wenonah | Heron | 2,500 | 2,100 |
| 21. Lifetime | Kodiak | 700 | 430 |
| 22. Lifetime | Emotion Wasatch 130 | 699 | 575 |
| 23. Pelican | 15.5 | 650 | 400 |
| 24. Pelican | Explorer 14.6 DLX | 550 | 350 |
| 25. NorthStar | Firebird | 2,895 | 2,000 |
| 26. NorthStar | B 17 | 2,800 | 1,800 |
| 27. Lincoln | Hidden Pond | 1,400 | 930 |
| 28. Lincoln | Concord | 1,600 | 800 |
| 29. Clipper | Tripper | 1,589 | 1,138 |
| 30. Coleman | 17′ | 850 | 375 |
| 31. Souris River | Quetico 17 | 3,145 | 2,500 |
| 32. Souris River | Prospector 16 | 2,745 | 1,999 |
The chart reveals that the most popular canoes are much less costly than other types.
It is worth taking into consideration that certain brands can be far pricier than others. Two well-known companies, Wenonah and Old Town, take great care to craft their canoes with the finest materials available. This attention to detail gives the canoes a hefty price tag, ranging in the thousands.
Let’s look at every model more closely.
1. MyCanoe – Origami Folding Canoe
Price New:$1,600
Price Used: $1,290
The cost of the origami folding canoe is marginally higher than some of the other canoes on the market, but it is certainly an attractive boat. This canoe is simple to put away and take with you since it can be folded. It is also very durable and well designed.
Many people who have used this canoe have reported that it is difficult to assemble and disassemble. This is not as secure, and it can easily become filled with water.
Statistics: Average length is 14.6 feet, typically weighing 52 pounds and capable of carrying two people.
Rating: 4.3/5
2. Mad River – Adventure 14
Price New: $770
Price Used: $525
Mad River is one of the top canoe brands. The Adventure 14 is very stable, durable, and comfortable. It also comes with adjustable seats and cup holders!
This particular canoe is fairly heavy and difficult to use and load if only one person is calling the shots.
Statistics: Fourteen feet long, seventy-five pounds in weight, and it can support up to three people.
Rating: 4.8/5
3. Mad River – Adventure 16
Price New: $880
Price Used: $795
The Adventure 16 is known for its longevity, robustness, and the ability to stay on course. There is plenty of room to install a trolling motor, and there is a large amount of space inside.
Many users have discovered that the transom is easily damaged and can be difficult to fix. The seat is not in a close proximity to the trolling motor mount, which makes it more difficult to maneuver.
This piece of equipment is sixteen feet long, weighs eighty-four pounds, and can accommodate a maximum of three people.
Rating: 4.7/5
4. Mad River – Explorer 16
Price New: $2,460
Price Used: $900
The Explorer 16 is very stiff and stable. The seats on this vessel can be adjusted and it is easy to maneuver in choppy waters.
Nevertheless, it has reduced starting stability, making it a tricky thing to begin. This canoe isn’t very quick and doesn’t have much area. The depreciation on this canoe is crazy as well.
Measurements: 14.9 feet, Weight: 62 lbs, Capacity: three people.
Rating: 4.5/5
5. Grumman – Double Ender
Price New: $1,730
Price Used: $1,550
Grumman is gaining a lot of popularity among canoeists. The Double Ender canoe is beneficial in many respects. It is durable and lasting, in addition to being convenient to relocating and transporting. This vessel provides remarkable constancy, uncomplicated paddling, and buoyancy at both extremities, making it absolutely unsinkable!
The main disadvantage of this canoe is its price. This canoe is too costly for most folks to purchase.
The stats indicate that it is 17 feet long, weighs 85 pounds, and is capable of accommodating up to three people.
Rating: 4.8/5
