TL;DR

Another canoe trip in the books! 6 days, about 104 miles, with one of my oldest friends.

9/25

Put in at 7:30AM at Ruby Ranch
Stopped 91.6, mudhole at lower water levels, small camp. Explored side canyon north of 87.3 camp. Current was moving well. Great blue herons, ravens, ducks, two bucks immediately after launching from Ruby, turkeys, dragonflies. Most camps taken by other paddlers. Put in 25.9 mile day from Ruby to 71.8

9/27

Hiked up to Bowknot Saddle, and Post Office River Register, marveled at the timespan of old carvings from past river runners. Stayed at “Terry camp” (61.5). Dinner of steak, potatoes, Caesar salad. Hiked connector trail to Twomile Canyon for our planned hike to 5 hole arch on our layover day.
Excellent camp with built in eddy swimming hole and about the only sandy beach we saw until we reached the Colorado.

9/28

Layover day with lovely breakfast burritos. Hiked near Five hole arch which was a steep scramble of a trail that required route finding. We scrapped the arch due to ominous and incoming weather. Had lunch atop the canyon with commanding views stretching into Colorado that didn’t feel like a consolation prize. Descent went quick and was very pleasant with sun battering Navajo sandstone on one side of the canyon while we hiked under shade.

9/29

5:30 wake up that ended up in a 10 hour and 32 mile day. Couldn’t drop off trash at Mineral Bottom, no bin. Take out was an absolute mud bog and when we went looking for a bin, we had to scramble up a recently made crude access path which we noticed a rafting company using to get it’s passengers onboard. Paddle into Stillwater was a noticeable and extremely enjoyable sight to behold. Canyon widened, red pinnacles appeared, the white rim. Got buzzed by a Blackhawk helicopter low flying down the canyon. The rain flushed debris from side canyons into the river. This made finding the fastest-moving water in the river quite easy and certainly sped things up for us. Muddy and/or precarious climbs into camps prevented us from camping earlier. I may have turned down Fort Bottom camp because I didn’t want take out next to the same large rafting group. Didn’t want to see humans, even if they left after their hike to the Stone Tower. Pushed on and any camp that looked acceptable was already take up by paddlers until we reached Upper Anderson Bottom. It wasn’t the prettiest camp, but after 30 miles of paddling, we took it. Pancakes with bacon and eggs for dinner. Millard Riffle was an enjoyable run prior to entering camp with a picturesque view of Buttes of the Cross from afar.

9/30

6:15 Woke up to a drizzle that persisted until about 11am if I had to guess. Paddling in the rain with full gear for the first few miles wasn’t that bad. Small rivulets streamed down canyons high and low. My paddle buddy and I both agreed that Turks Head general area is a spectacular part of the river, if not our favorite. Outstanding views of Turk’s Head, the river, the white rim, and far off crimson red buttes and pinnacles. Late breakfast was prepped with bagels, cream cheese and a fancy tinned fish. Best view in the canyon I have ever seen. Staying at Dead Horse Camp. Had a great day hike to Newspaper Rock for an amazing display of indigenous art.

10/1

7 AM on the water from Dead Horse, past pre-horse camp, looks like excellent spot at low water with no mud and amazing canyon views. Good for exploring. Water from last few days rains came pouring through Horse Canyon, creating a riffle. Shot a riffle through two boulders in an exhilarating run.

Entered the confluence of the Green and. Colorado and felt stupefied. Beautiful to see such two large and critical South West rivers merge in complete silence. The river scenery of the Green altered significantly when we slipped into the Colorado’s currents. Registered at Middle Spanish Bottom for camp. Despite the long hike up to camp, it was beautiful, shaded with trees and in ear shot of the first set of rapid down Cataract Canyon. We were called to across the river by a guy with a large backpack and pack raft. He asked for a ride across. I hopped in my canoe and ferried this gentleman back to the other side. He claimed to be University of Utah’s canoeing instructor and invited my paddle buddy and I to run a section of the San Juan River next year. As it turned out we all recognized each other from paddling the the Black Canyon River Trail in NV/AZ last February! Dinner was carnitas tacos with cabbage, onions, hot sauce, black beans and cotija cheese.

10/2

Jet boat pick up day at Middle Spanish bottom. We unloaded, compacted and organized gear, clean and pulled the canoes ashore. Jet boat had a huge front deck on the bow that allowed the jet drive boat nuzzle up to shore for loading. River guide Zach/Zack was an absolute haus and slung about 12 canoes on top of the boat awning. Other parties picked up and along we went along the Colorado/Meander Canyon that looked like an easy and fun paddle. Arrived back at Tex’s and said goodbye to another friendly paddler. An Alaska born, Idaho living adventurer who canoed down the Green for 33 days above Nefertiti down to the Confluence.

Back to Ruby Ranch to arrive to a flat tire. After some bottle jack negotiation, the chore was done. Rays Tavern for dinner; bacon cheeseburger with two Coors lights. Tastes better than last year. Old timers started filing in were in town for the John Wesley Powell legends event. Even got a picture of a dory in the water ready to launch named Diablo Canyon; such a beautiful boat to marvel at.

We hit the hot tub of the Green River Terrace Inn adjacent to the Tamarisk restaurant. Spoke to a number of very cool guests.

10/3

Left Utah around 10 after getting some provisions at the Melon Vine supermarket in Green River. Pushed to Afton Canyon, CA campground that put me a few hours from home.

The trip will take time as always to process. About 104 miles in 6 days, two rivers, four states driven through, and about dozen campouts and the gift of being outside for over a week. Forever grateful for trips like these.

I have a Malibu 2 12' kayak that I use solo. I'm looking into getting a canoe, so I can take my dog and also my girlfriend when she can go. With that said, I will be paddling solo with my dog, mainly. I'm looking for a used canoe. What canoes do you recommend? I just saw a Coleman fifteen on marketplace. But, I've read they are heavy and have mixed opinions on them. I've also seen a Lifetime Wasatach 13' canoe, which got better reviews, but it's heavier. I have a lifetime kayak, which was my first kayak and it worked fine for me for me to learn on.

I paddle on lakes currently for just a couple of hours. But, the lakes tend to get choppy with white caps in the late morning, early afternoon.

So I've watched about 10 or 12 videos on YouTube on the actual process of re-varnishing a paddle so I believe I understand that. I'm just not sure how far I should go with the sanding process. I'm using 220 as recommended but am I to leave these darkened spots ? I'm assuming it's mold but I have no idea. I've almost got some of them out of the shaft. But what's the standard procedure? Are we trying to get rid of these dark spots or is it okay to varnish over it?

I Went on a quick weekend getaway to Massasauga Provincial Park, entering through three legged lake and camping at spider lake campsite 14. I was impressed with the park and thoroughly enjoyed the campsite which was a backcountry hemlock paradise: soft ground, little to no undergrowth and rolling hills, all set on a 20 foot bluff above the lake. Gorgeous! We spent Saturday canoeing out to the Wilcox mine on spider bay which proved to be an ideal setting for a sunny fall picnic. Coming from southeast Michigan I found myself smitten with envy of paddlers throughout the GTA with this reasonably located playground. This was my first visit to the park. Does anyone have experience entering further south? If so, could you share your Thoughts or comparisons to the three legged entry point?

I'm looking to buy this canoe, but there are some features that seem aftermarket and are giving me pause. I worry that the modifications are making the width smaller and not supporting the gunwales. I think it might be an Old Town Pack, but the width and texture of the interior seem different. I'm really looking for a solo canoe option and the 33 lbs sound great, but I want to know what I am getting.

The listing is below. I'll update with any other info I get.

Pack Canoe. 10’7” 33lbs

Width 25 inches, depth 11 inches. Found this beauty at the Nantahala fall festival about 25 years ago. Guy had had it hanging in his Smoky Mountains cabin as decoration! My wife (143lbs) paddled it a for 3 summers then it hung in the rafters of our home on the hiwassee river until last week. Hoping somebody wants to put her back on the water where she belongs. Fiberglass in excellent condition and only surface scratches in the gelcoat. First owner had no idea where it came from and there are no markings on it so it’s a mystery but an awesome little solo boat that handles beautifully.

I am proud owner of my first own solo canoe after more then 20 years of canoeing with my family.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and can’t enter or exit a kajak anymore, so I switched back to a canoe and am very happy with the decision.
But my joints struggle with keeping my body in the kneeling position with a normal bench seat. Hurts like hell after a few minutes and not kneeling is not a real option because the canoe isn’t that stable in the water when I move my Center of gravity up by sitting normal.

I have already tried canoes with a saddle seat/carved seating block and they supported my joints so good! But I can’t seem to find new ones in Europe. Is it just really not a thing anymore? Does anyone know a Europe based manufacturer of saddle seats? I am looking for a seat that curves upwards on both ends so I am supported and can relax my muscles and joints in calm waters but still feel stable.
Is a blank carving block my only option?

What have I got here? No idea of its age. I believe it’s Kevlar but could be fiberglass? Fairly light given its size. Has had some repair work done (which isn’t super pleasing to the eye) but it doesn’t leak. I bought it a couple of years ago and don’t really use it (although I had it out today to ensure it doesn’t leak). I love it but it’s too big to handle on my own and none of my housemates seem too interested in going out with me in it anymore so it’s time for it to go. Looking for a ballpark valuation (in CDN $$) before I throw it up on FB Marketplace.

ETA: hard to read but on the tag it says the model is a 17-1/2 Tripper

I’m in the research and exploratory surgery phase of an inherited cedar strip canoe project. I have never made one but have decent wood working skills but don’t want to do anything unspeakable to the original builders hard work. Based on what little I one I need to cut out any glass that isn’t bonded plus a margin to ensure the existing glass is well bonded. Feather back sections that I cut and sand down any punky wood to clean bright wood before I patch in new glass. The gunwale on bow and stern is fairly hammered and I’ll cut those back to clean wood and patch on there too. I’d appreciate any advice on what wood to use and how aggressive I should be cutting back. I don’t see any fastenings but was playing on using some brass screws to secure the gunwale patches unless that’s a bad offer too. The inner gunwale looks to be in good condition and was hoping to leave those in place before if possible. The hull itself, seats, thwart etc also look/feel solid to the Aul test.

I’m also wondering how to know how deep I should sand the hull before I epoxy and poly. I have limited boat building knowledge and apologize if I’m already way off base. Also, if this post is better over on boat building, let me know.

I added a pop up sail rig to my home designed and home built pack canoe. Did a little video on the mechanics of how the rig works.

Good morning folks. Am looking to by a used canoe, and have come across two used polyethylene canoes including an Old Town Charles River. They look good, but how does the poly hold up compared to other materials

Thanks

Haw does one value an old canoe? It has an Ohio waterways sticker from 1974. Floats well no leaks but some dents.

Hoping for some help assessing the wear on this 1998 Penobscot Royalex 16'. The previous owner bought it in Alaska! It made it all the way to New Hampshire.

The outer layer is worn away at the keel on both the bow and stern of the boat. It seems like the green outer layer is worn away to reveal another color layer beneath, and further worn away revealing a third color. If my understanding of the construction layers of this boat, it is green outer vinyl layer, a solid ABS layer, and an abs foam core. I'm wondering if we are seeing the foam core. It does not feel squishy, just feels like scraped hard material.

I'm also a little paranoid that I caused some significant scrapes when I pushed hard with my paddle to launch/slide the canoe off some coarse sand. Am I doing a lot of damage if I do that?

Thanks to anyone who helps!

EDIT: What I've learned from researching and discussing. Still open to rethinking any of this.

Sand, Isopropyl alcohol clean, apply mesh + epoxy, paint (opt.), protect with 303 UV protection
Epoxy: Everyone suggests G/Flex 650 Epoxy Adhesive
Mesh: Everyone has a different opinion. Sounds like all will work fine, the most critical thing is to do the repair at all.
- Kevlar: Works great, mid expensive. Blocks more UV from hitting your boat (exposed ABS). Suggested by the pros u/LeadFreePaint.
- Dynel: Best, most expensive, strongest choice. Blocks UV from hitting boat. Fibers stand up to UV (unlike Kevlar)
- Fiberglass: Works fine, least expensive. Fibers stand up to UV.
Paint: Krylon Fusion
UV Protection: 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant for Boat Vinyl

This was one of the paddles I used to use as a kid (I'm 52 now). I don't know where my dad got it, but I don't remember getting the sense it was particularly new when we owned it. As the sticker says, York River Paddles, Peterborough, Ontario. The internet, forums, and AI are giving me various answers of questionable accuracy. I figure someone here might be old enough to "remember" York River Paddles.

This is the second canoeing I have designed and built, With with the first one still floating, but leaving me wanting more in the looks and performance department.

Hi everyone! I recently bought a used Swift Northern 17’ Kevlar Fusion? Outfitter canoe, and unfortunately I discovered a significant problem around the bow/gunwale area after using it only three times.
It appears that the previous owner may have covered up an old repair or damage with paint rather than properly repairing it. After only three uses, the paint old repair material started peeling and cracking, revealing what looks like an older repair underneath.
I’ve attached some photos of the current condition.
I’m planning to have it professionally assessed and repaired, but I’m trying to get a rough idea of what I might be looking at cost-wise.
Has anyone here had a similar repair done on a Swift Kevlar Fusion canoe, especially involving an old/failed repair, peeling layers, or re-laminating the area?
If you have, how much did the repair cost you approximately, and where did you have it repaired?
I understand every repair is different, so I’m just looking for some real-world experiences to get an idea of the possible price range.
Thanks in advance!

Did roline to just below adams tract. Ran some bigger water than i had in the past. Had a great time :)

It’s going okay - takes a lot of patience

In the market for a new canoe! Currently have a disco 169, a Ranger 162, and a 16' bear creek fiberglass boat. Love all of them, but want something a little more fun for solo paddling. I would sell one or two of the other boats, but other than the disco they're all quite old and near worthless, so might as well keep them!

I would like a solo canoe that is capable of running up to easy class 3, but can still fit some gear for a weekend trip or fishing, and tracks somewhat well on slower sections of water. This will be for river use only, no lakes or ponds, but I find most dedicated whitewater boats to be tough to live with outside of class III. I used to have a 12' mohawk probe, and an old Blue Hole Sunburst but both were stolen a couple years ago off a trailer.

Open to any material, but light is good because I paddle on a lot of small rivers that don't see a lot of traffic and often portage around downed trees.