Have you decided to try canoeing? The thrill of being out on the waters can be quite exhilarating. But your experience can be positively or negatively affected by the type of canoe you use. This is why picking the right canoe is important, because you want your adventure to be as comfortable as possible. Canoes are available in different shapes and sizes. You simply need to pick the one that’s suitable for your needs.
The market is flooded with many brands, so how will you know which one is the best canoe to buy? To make your decision making easier, we’ve listed the top 8 canoes on the market. The products on our list were analyzed according to key features such as weight capacity, length, weight and warranty. All these features determine a number of factors such as performance and durability. From our list, one canoe that appealed to us the most is the Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman Canoe.
Extra features: padded, contoured seat with adjustable backrest; durable 3-layer polyethylene construction For people looking for a versatile watercraft, consider this grab-and-go canoe from Old Town Discovery. Whether you’re an angler or hunter, you’ll appreciate this canoe which we’ve rated the best canoe on our list. You can use it for fishing or hunting. Weighing only 57lb, it’s one of the lightest canoes on our list. This is the product to pick if you’re thinking of embarking on a solo outdoor adventure. With a weight capacity of 350lb, it can accommodate most people. Paddle in comfort while sitting on the padded and contoured seat. You can relax comfortably on the backrest provided, while you wait for fish to take the bait. With a length of 11ft, it’s also one of the shortest canoes on our list. A short canoe isn’t the most stable but you’ll appreciate that it can travel much faster than its longer counterparts. Also, a short canoe means transporting it will be easy, especially if you don’t have a large vehicle. Another aspect you’ll appreciate with this canoe is its durability. The three-layer polyethylene construction makes the unit strong enough to withstand a few knocks if you happen to bump into rocks while adrift. The hull is quite spacious. You and your gear will be accommodated comfortably. Make use of the convenient handles to transport the unit from one place to the next. Extra features: transom motor mount bracket, bow and stern seats, cupholders, luggage-style handles As stated earlier, the reason why this Lifetime Kodiak canoe made it to our list is because of its excellent value. It’s the canoe to pick if you want to take your family out on a water cruise, as this recreational boat can accommodate up to three people. Each passenger has a drink holder molded to his or her seat which is convenient for leisurely days on the water. There’s adequate space to store your gear thanks to the storage compartment provided. Transporting the canoe from one place to the next is made easier thanks to the carry handles. The canoe comes with paddles, so you don’t have to make an additional purchase. This canoe is almost 13ft, which some might find too long. But bear in mind that you’re guaranteed more stability with a longer canoe. And extra stability is what you want especially if you’re traveling with family. The manufacturer covered this canoe with a five-year limited warranty. Extra features: 3-layer molded polyethylene hull; UV-resistant, nylon-webbed seats; features an ash wood carrying yoke and thwart & carry handles If a long lasting canoe is what you’re after, consider this Old Town Discovery recreational canoe. Made of three layer molded polyethylene, this hull can withstand a couple of knocks during your cruise. Though strong and durable, you’ll be impressed by how surprisingly light this canoe is. Material used in its construction is also breathable and UV-resistant. Constant exposure to the sun during those hot summer days won’t prematurely damage the unit. The canoe features a sleek design which makes it visually appealing. For people who want to embark on their adventure in style, this is the hull to pick. But the design goes far beyond the canoe’s aesthetical value: it allows the unit to perform well in the water. You can expect a stable cruise if you pick this model – no need to worry about capsizing into the water. Comfort is also guaranteed with this canoe. The nylon-webbed seats will provide you with maximum comfort. Carrying the unit from your vehicle to shore will be stress free. Simply make use of the molded handles. This canoe supports two people. If ever you want to take your loved one on a romantic getaway cruise, consider this one. Just make sure both of you don’t exceed the 1150lb weight carrying capacity of this model. Weighing a little under 90lb, you can tell it’s slightly heavy. But we’re certain you can carry it comfortably between the two of you. You’re likely to be impressed by the lifetime warranty this unit comes with. The canoe is almost 16ft in length which makes it rather long, but remember this means you’ll have a stable trip on the water. Extra features: 7-9 minute inflation time; made from a highly durable 1000D reinforced material Do you prefer to travel light? Then consider picking this inflatable canoe which allows for easy storage. This canoe weighs 60lb which makes it relatively lightweight compared to other models. Carrying it to the water will certainly be hassle free. You can easily fit it in the trunk of some vehicles. This canoe weighs less compared to similar canoes within the same price range. Many people are skeptical about the durability of inflatable canoes. That’s something you don’t have to worry about if you pick this unit, which is made from 1000 denier rated material. As a result, you’re guaranteed a long lasting canoe that can withstand any harsh conditions you may encounter while canoeing. The manufacturer even took it a step further by overlapping the seams for added reinforcement. Included with this hull is a repair kit that you can use to immediately fix the unit if damage does occur. With a carrying capacity of 800lb, this canoe can accommodate two or three people—including their gear. You’ll be impressed by the incomparable stability of this canoe – it’s even stable enough to stand in without feeling like you’ll tip over. The bow/stern molds on the unit increase trackability. You won’t be going off course for the duration of your canoeing adventure. The adjustable seats will allow for a comfortable seating position during your cruise. And they also feature backrests to provide you with maximum support as you paddle. Inflating the canoe won’t take much time. In just under 10 minutes it’ll be ready for use. Though it’s easy to inflate, you can consider an electric pump to speed things along. Extra features: 3-chamber construction; comes with 2 paddles, pump and skeg And now, for our budget pick. We’ve picked this Intex Excursion Pro which can accommodate two people provided they’re within the canoe’s 396.8lb weight carrying capacity. If you decide to go canoeing with this boat alone, you might find it difficult to navigate. So always make sure you bring a buddy along. Aside from its affordability, what caught our attention was the attractive color and design. You can definitely canoe in style if you pick this unit. Aesthetics aside, you’ll be impressed by the solid build. Made of low profile Polypropylene, the canoe will definitely last you long. To ensure the canoe remains afloat even after punctures, the boat features 3 air chambers. If one chamber is damaged, the others will still remain inflated to keep the boat moving. Leaks are the least of your worries if you pick this model, thanks to the Airtight system. Also, inflating and deflating the unit we’ll be quick and easy thanks to the high-pressure valve. You can safely store your gear in the secure storage provided, and carrying the canoe to and from the water is made easy thanks to the carry handles. Seats are not only elevated, but adjustable, to ensure a comfortable sitting position for easy paddling. Along with the canoe, you’ll also get a pump, two paddles, pressure gauge and a carry bag. And the product is covered by a 90-day limited warranty. Important to note is that the canoe can be set off course by extremely hectic winds, so avoid canoeing on a windy day. Extra features: heavy-duty 3-layer, molded polyethylene hull; contoured bow and stern seats Here’s another durable canoe which features three layers of molded polyethylene. And we’ve voted it the best recreational canoe. Thanks to the material used in the canoe’s construction, it’s pretty flexible. But you’ll appreciate how lightweight the hull is. You’ll appreciate how this canoe is designed to offer you maximum stability and easy maneuverability. The chances of going off course are highly unlikely. You’ll find the canoe easy to carry to the water. Simply make use of the carry handles provided. This canoe has a 800lb carrying capacity and is ideally suited for two people. It weighs 78lb which makes it a heavy unit. But between the two of you, you’ll manage to carry it. The canoe is 13.3ft long so you can expect to travel at relatively fast speeds if that’s your preference. Extra features: abrasion & impact-resistant thermoformed polyethylene hull; nylon mesh seats, aluminum gunwales, comfortable carrying handles Old Town is known for manufacturing high quality canoes and this Penobscot 164 Model is no exception. Made of polyethylene, you’re guaranteed a long lasting unit. It’s not only impact-resistant but it’s also designed to withstand most forms of abrasion during canoeing. The seats are contoured to allow for comfortable seating during paddling. The boat has a 1250lb carrying capacity but because of the narrow design it’s best suited for smaller passengers. There’s ample space to store your travelling gear, food, and valuables. Make use of the cup holders provided to place your drinks during canoeing. It’s easy to move around thanks to the comfortable carry handles. You’ll appreciate that the unit comes with a lifetime warranty—much like all Old Town canoes. The green color is a welcome change from most dull-colored hulls. So pick this unit if you want a canoe with a pop of color. This color also increases the canoe’s visibility while adrift. In case of emergencies and storms you’ll be easy to spot. A few users have noted that it bows in the middle after some time. Just make sure you observe and adhere to the hull’s carrying capacity to avoid exerting too much pressure on it. Extra features: 2 built-in rod holders; high-density polyethylene hull; comfortable molded seat Last but not least, we have yet another NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak which promises stability and optimal tracking. If you’re not a fan of paddling, then opt for this hull which is can be powered by an electrical motor. Unfortunately, the motor isn’t included, so you’ll have to purchase it separately. But at least you don’t have to pay much for the canoe itself. If you install the motor, the canoe steers and maneuvers pretty much like a regular canoe. The only difference is you don’t have to do all the work. You’ll be impressed by the overall build quality of the boat. It is a durable unit which is built to last. And most users are impressed by how exceptionally sturdy it is. The manufacturer made provision for storing your rods in the holders provided. We do wish the manufacturer had included a cooler to store your drinks. But given the low price, we suppose you get what you paid for.
Quick Summary
Editor's Choice:
Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman Canoe
"Light canoe with a comfy padded and contoured seat, 11ft 9in in length and with a durable 3-layer design"
Best Value:
Lifetime Kodiak Canoe
"Fantastic canoe with a 96-pound capacity, 3 seats and Quick-Release seatbacks"
Most Durable :
Old Town Discovery 158 Recreational Canoe
"Heavy duty polyethylene canoe with a 1,150-pound weight capacity; protected by a lifetime warranty"
Best Inflatable Canoe:
Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Travel Canoe
"Durable inflatable 16-foot canoe with a quick inflation time and a weight capacity of up to 845 lbs."
Budget Pick:
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
"Inflatable and affordable canoe with a 2-person 396.8-pound capacity comes with a pump, paddles, and one repair patch"
Best Recreational Canoe:
Old Town Discovery 133 Recreational Canoe
"A tandem canoe with a huge 800-pound capacity, features oar locks for rowing, vinyl gunwales, and comfortable carrying handles"
Best Narrow Canoe:
Old Town Penobscot 164 Touring Canoe
"Tough impact-resistant two-person canoe with a total weight capacity of 750 pounds"
Best Square Stern Canoe:
NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak
"12-foot canoe with a max capacity of 650 lbs, features 2 rod holders, and a square stern for an electric trolling motor"
Top 8 Canoes Review 2024
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2542 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.9
1
Editor's Choice
Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Sportsman Canoe
Features
What do we love it for?
What were we disappointed with?
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9061 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
2
Best Value
Lifetime Kodiak Canoe
Features
What stands out?
What cons did we manage to find?
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5768 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
3
Most Durable
Old Town Discovery 158 Recreational Canoe
Features
What makes it stand out?
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2605 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
4
Best Inflatable Canoe
Sea Eagle TC16 Inflatable Travel Canoe
Features
Why did it make our list?
What is not ideal about it?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8435 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.4
5
Budget Pick
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Features
What makes it stand out?
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2292 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
6
Best Recreational Canoe
Old Town Discovery 133 Recreational Canoe
Features
Why is it special?
What are the flaws?
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3008 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.2
7
Best Narrow Canoe
Old Town Penobscot 164 Touring Canoe
Features
What makes it special?
What cons did we find?
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9952 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
8
Best Square Stern Canoe
NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak
Features
Why are we impressed?
What negatives must you be aware of?
Also Product Ranking:
Are you ready to buy? In order to make a sound decision, there are facts you need to know. An informed decision will save you from buyer’s remorse. Have a look at the following guide as we outline all you need to know about canoes before making a final purchase.
There are different watercrafts at your disposal. When embarking on a water adventure you can decide to buy a boat, kayak or canoe, to mention a few. So, why pick a canoe?
We understand how your budget largely determines the canoe you buy. But that doesn’t mean you have to pick the cheapest one you find. Consider the following factors in order to buy the right one for you.
Ask yourself this: what do you need the canoe for? Do you want it for recreational use or for fishing? Are you planning on going on a family adventure? This will determine the canoe you pick. If you want to use it with family, then you’ll need a big one such as the NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak. If it’s for a one-man fishing adventure, then a smaller one will suffice. Here are examples of a few types:
How many people are you planning to go canoeing with? Answering the question will help you determine how many seats your canoe must have. Aside from the number of seats, you need to consider the kind of seats it has. Some are more comfortable than others; canoes with flat benches are less comfortable than molded or contoured seats. Most canoes on our list have contoured seats that guarantee comfort.
If more than one person will be using the canoe, consider the weight capacity. Can it hold more than one person without the risk of capsizing? Check the rating on the canoe as it highlights the combined weight of passengers—and gear— it can handle.
The length of the canoe will determine the size of your boat. And the size and length of your canoe will determine factors such as performance, speed & transportation. A long canoe will be easy to transport if you have a large vehicle. And the opposite is true.
Smaller and shorter canoes will speed much faster in the water compared to their longer counterparts. If you prefer venturing into narrow streams and inlets consider shorter canoes.
Speaking of transportation, you also need to think of the weight of the canoe as this will determine:
Generally, canoes can weigh as little as 40lb, with the heaviest weighing over 120lb. Needless to say a heavy canoe will be difficult to carry from your vehicle to the water. If you’re going on a solo water adventure, it’s in your best interest to buy a light one so you can handle it easily by yourself. On the other hand, if you’re going canoeing with your buddies, you don’t have to worry about weight that much.
How wide is the canoe? The width of the canoe will largely determine stability. Wider canoes are more stable than their narrower counterparts. On the other hand, narrow canoes, though not as stable, are easier to maneuver.
While on the subject of dimensions, it’s necessary to discuss the depth of the canoe as it also affects stability.
Canoes with taller sides are more affected by extreme winds which negatively impacts stability.
Shallower canoes, though more stable allow more water in.
The shape of the canoe is equally important because it affects the stability of your canoe. A few common shapes include:
The overall build of the canoe is important because it determines a number of factors such as durability, weight, cost and strength. Certain material is lighter than others. Also, certain materials are more durable than others, while others are more expensive.
It’s not uncommon for your canoe to hit a few rocks while adrift. You want a unit that can withstand such knocks. Here are a few examples of materials used in the construction of canoes:
Aside from the build quality, you’ll need to consider the structure of the canoe. Is it inflatable or a solid hard shell hull? If a long lasting canoe is what you’re after, then one with a hull structure is ideal. Typically, one that features a hull structure usually has a highly durable three-layer structure.
As mentioned earlier, you want your canoeing adventure to be as comfortable as possible. What kind of seats do you need? If you suffer from back pain, you might want to opt for one with a backrest. Is it padded?
If you’re going to spend hours sitting, then consider one with padded seats for added comfort.
Will you be canoeing with your toddler? You’ll need a seat that you can securely strap your child in during the ride.
For such a sizeable investment it’s worth considering the warranty the canoe is covered by. Different manufacturers offer varying warranty periods and terms so make sure you read the fine print. Is it covered for materials, manufacturing defects or both? Is the canoe covered for parts as well as accessories?
Most manufacturers need you to have a sales receipt for any warranty claims so make sure you keep it safe.
Some manufacturers take it a step further by including extra features on their canoes to attract more buyers. Granted, you’ll have to pay extra for these features but we think it’s certainly worth it. One notable extra feature you need to consider is if the canoe comes with paddles. Let’s face it, you’ll need paddles anyway—unless it’s a powered boat— so this will save you the additional purchase.
Does the canoe come with storage compartments? A canoe that has provision for your gear is ideal.
Some canoes feature carry handles. These handles will make it easy for you to carry the unit as well as enter and exit it.
