Whether you're paddling peacefully across a pristine lake or maneuvering around rocks and rapids, nothing beats a day out on the water. When it comes to purchasing a canoe, the first step is to determine what you're buying it for, and then hone it on the different design elements that fit your purpose.
From the hull material to the bow flare, the article How to Choose the Perfect Canoe by Field & Stream does a great job breaking down each feature of the boat, and explains what to look for based on your needs.
The right canoe is one that can handle the conditions you'll most likely encounter, and haul your stuff while allowing you to cast or shoot, plunge over a 5-foot waterfall, or stay straight on open water. That means the canoe for you is probably not the one you can pick up secondhand from a neighbor. Here's a guide to features to consider in a canoe—and how to fine-tune your choice depending on how you plan to use it.
1. Hull style
A canoe with a traditional style (shown) has a stern and bow that are similarly shaped, tapering to points at each end. An asymmetric hull is more pointed at the bow than at the stern, which lets the canoe glide more efficiently.
2. Beam
Maximum width of the boat.
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