Anyone Canoe?

[UncleJak]

I have been thinking about getting a canoe for my creek ventures. I think I need something small and lightweight, mainly to be used in small creeks, but possibly in a lake someday. Any ideas on what I should get? Also, do you have to register it like you would a boat (no motor, only paddles)? And lastly, does anyone know the rules regarding private property and creeks? I don't want to trespass, but I don't think floating by is exactly trespassing. Thanks!

[Guest cardcutter]

Any boat under power or sail has to be registered. Canoes do not.( unless you put a sail on it)

If it is just going to be you I would recommend 15ft or smaller.

I personally prefer a Cajun Pirough. They can go just about anywhere.

As for the property rights thing, I don't know.

Edited June 18, 2012 by cardcutter

[peejman]

What I recall about property rights is... as long as you're on the water, you're technically not trespassing. If you step out of the canoe onto the bank or creek bottom (even if you're wading in the middle), you are trespassing. Though I can't seem to find where I read that...

[Handsome Rob]

Myself & a few good buddies are avid canoerists.

If you can find (& afford) a kevlar boat, it would be a very wise investment. 13-15ft long will only weight around 35-50lb & is more than enough boat for one person & a weekend's camping load.

Legally, all waterways in TN are public, so long as they're not fully encapsulated by private land (ie; ponds & lakes), fenced or posted. Even if a stream, creek or river passes through private land, so long as you are below the high-water line, you're not trespassing.

Personally, I paddle a 16' Pelican flatbottom tourer as I do the bulk of my paddling on the lakes around here & the added initial stability afforded is a great asset. I would prefer a shorter, more tumblehome profile boat for moving water & when funds allow it's near the top of my shopping list.

There are always a bunch of canoes on Craigslist, some good, some not so good. Pretty much anything by Coleman, Pelican, Indian, Grumman or Old Town will get you going for under $500 Try and avoid Aluminum boats at all costs! They're hot in summer, freezing cold in winter, noisy as hell, crack, split & are tough to repair! There's a reason they're usually cheaper!

[sigmtnman]

You may want to check out the TSRA Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association as they may offer classes to help you learn to paddle a canoe. While it may appear straight forward, a little instruction will make it much more enjoyable and efficient. This would also allow you to try out various canoes before you make a large investment in one and all of the necessary gear.

Over here, we have the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club which offers training trips and such for both whitewater, flatwater and overnight camping trips.

Edited June 18, 2012 by sigmtnman

[dats82]

Canoeing has to be one of the most relaxing things I enjoy doing. I would absolutely advise you to get one. If you buy a used one and don't like it, you can probably sell it and not be out any money. I bought an Old Town 14 foot about a year ago. I do not know how much it weighs, and I am really not too sure what it is made of. It is a pretty good all around boat. It is small enough I can handle it by myself (paddling and loading in a truck), but it is also large enough to comfortably carry another person. There are many good options out there, and toward the end of the summer, there will probably be plenty of good deals to be had on used boats. You may also want to consider a kayak if you plan to be on your own most of the time. Most of my friends use kayak, but I prefer the extra room and seat position of a canoe. Either way, keep an eye on Craigslist and golsn.com.

[vaiger]

I like my kayak more but generally canoe if fishing with a buddy or paddling with my kids. We found ours on sale at academy and they were quite reasonable. The twra website has great maps that show where you can put in on various rivers along with mile markers so you can plan your trip.

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[Timestepper]

Been a canoeist a good portion of my life, from some of the really big waters out West to tiny little creeks that need to be irrigated just to maintain "creek" status. I've had a couple of different canoes and different boats work better for different waters. Currently I've got a 16 foot keeled flat bottom plastic somethin' or other that more than pays back in stability and "fishability" what it lacks in maneuverability. And I've used it in everything from Class II + rapids to calm, shallow creeks and big lakes.

It's been mentioned - and I wholeheartedly agree - that a 15 or 16 footer is going to be ideal for what you want it for. Anything longer and you lose maneuverability. Anything shorter and you lose stability. (And when you're relatively new to canoeing, stability is very important.)

Good luck and welcome to the ranks!

[UncleJak]

Thanks for all the input! I am gonna hit craigslist asap.

[Timestepper]

Oh, and one other thing - Granted that the one I own is the only one I've ever seen in person, but a collapsible canoe cart for portaging - or just getting back & forth from the truck to the water - is absolutely worth it's weight in gold. (And doesn't take up much room!)

Here's a couple of not-so-great pics of mine:

[RichardR]

I am an avid paddler too, as a matter of fact I am about to hit the water as soon as my girlfriend finishes her qualifying (rifle, shotgun, pistol) then we plan on spending the rest of the day on the Hatchie river.

With all of the kayakers and canoers on here we should think about putting together a big floatilla or something this fall.

[glowdotGlock]

I'd love to get together sometime. Here's a couple of my river yaks. I had a canoe years ago and miss it. Hope to buy one by the end of summer. This is on the Duck in Maury county.

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[UncleJak]

I now need to find a way to attach one to the top of my Honda Element. My wife would beat me if I scratched the car...

[glowdotGlock]

I stick one on top sometimes. Nothing here to scratch though : )

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[Mdunntn]

If the river has a pretty swift.current are there problems getting back? Lol that's my only concern about kayaks or.canoes.

[sigmtnman]

That really depends on how swift the current is, though not impossible using attainment moves, it is could/would take effort.

Usually swift water trips are one way unless you portage back up river.

not so swift water -- rather easy.

class I-II -- lots of effort.

Edited June 19, 2012 by sigmtnman

[Guest cardcutter]

Does any one have a canoe they would part with? I have been looking recently.