My young family is looking to finally get our own gear, and the canoe is the toughest thing to figure out. I grew up using a Grumman 17' aluminum, and an Old Town Tripper. The aluminum was ok, but the Tripper is a heavy beast. I have three young boys, so any kind of Kevlar is out (and out of budget). I was thinking of something like the 17' Penobscot, but only because it's something I've found that looks familiar and priced decent (if I could get a royalex one that is. New plastic is too heavy). I've sporadically seen some Bell ones too, but seem to keep missing them.

What do you have to sell me? Budget: $700-800 max. I'm open to options and suggestions from those like yourselves of other ones I should be looking for too.

Thanks for the help!
Ryan

what is your approximate location? perhaps someone in your area has one for sale? have you tried out any canoes to see how they work with your family arrangement? do you need 1 canoe or 2 canoes? kids grow quickly!

Sorry for missing a few key details in my original post! We live in the Minneapolis area but I haven't found something on CL yet (I haven't been searching a long time though). We also haven't tried out canoes other than what my friends/parents have: Grumman aluminum, OT Tripper, Wenonah Kevlar (17'ish, don't know the model). I'm not too picky, but am trying to maximize bang for my buck, and be a good canoe we can use for many years. We only need one canoe right now (kids are 3.5, 5.5, 6 months).

Looking forward to hearing thoughts about what I could/should be looking for.

I have a nova craft prospector 17 ft in royalex pm me if your interested

Please contact me. Mikethefltguy@yahoo.com , I have physical problems that are forcin to sell my equipment. I will no longer be able to go on trips.

quote Miketheflyguy1: "Please contact me. Mikethefltguy@yahoo.com , I have physical problems that are forcin to sell my equipment. I will no longer be able to go on trips. "

Mike - there's a problem with your email address. It bounced back. Can you please email me at bues0022@umn.edu

quote tom14: "I have a nova craft prospector 17 ft in royalex pm me if your interested"

Hello tom14. Not sure why I can't PM you, but is your Nova Craft still up for sale?

OP, have you found a canoe?

Yes it is had to update my email. I am in Illinois.

not mine but some good options near the MPLS area:

Grumman

Penobscot

Wenonah - worth haggling for

Old Town

Wenonah

Sundowner

Good luck on the search. Maybe rent this summer and save up enough for a good used outfitter kevlar boat next spring.

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