I just picked up a new to me Souris River Q17. Should I add skid plates? I kind of feel like I should. I'm not super concerned about weight since this thing is roughly half of what my Old Town is.

I would if weight is not a concern. That added protection could come in handy sometime.

The Q17 is made with a skid plate. Of coarse you could beef it up, if you feel the need.

quote eroom: "The Q17 is made with a skid plate. Of coarse you could beef it up, if you feel the need."

I was told it had internal skid plates........ explain that to me.

The skid plates were incorporated in the manufacturing of the canoe. You can’t see them. Additional skid plates are not needed. I’ve had one for over 10 years and have no need for additional protection. You could always add them later if you feel the need.

Yep, no need for additional skid plates on an SRQ 17. As with any lovely canoe, avoid hard landings and you will be fine.

ok, no skid plates it is!

quote Lotw: "ok, no skid plates it is!

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Agree. I have a Souris River with internal skid plates I got new in 2002, averages 2-3 trips per year plus local trips. Still good without any additional skid plates. YMMV, I don’t abuse gear, but I use it hard.

T

I'm not sure where I fall in that use/abuse ratio but there's a lot of rocks in Ontario with blue marks from my Old Town

I only put one on the front of my solo. I know how abusive I am. Not that I try to be, but rocks happen as you know. I've repaired too many of used canoes that used up those internal skids. Of course these are mainly old rentals, I just know how I am. When it comes to missing rocks, I'm like Mr Magoo.

Internal skid plates are extra fabric.. you can still gouge the skin but there is more stuff to go through inside before anything leaks.

Skid plate installation requires sanding.. Why would you want to do that when you can do that by tripping? Add them later if you must

There is lots of reinforcement in the stems. Skid plates were marketed to assuage people that were afraid stem wear would make the craft sink or eternally damage it.

Most are clunky and induce drag.. You can do skid plates later with a nice piece of fiberglass which is more abrasion resistant.

So my vote is nyet

I would not put skid plates on. Wait until it’s worn down before doing any maintenance . Plus, you can apply extra layers of Kevlar and keep it looking like new instead of adding the thick ugly skid plated.

quote egknuti: "I would not put skid plates on. Wait until it’s worn down before doing any maintenance . Plus, you can apply extra layers of Kevlar and keep it looking like new instead of adding the thick ugly skid plated."

agree.
I have at various times when the bow or stern get a little wear I just take a little clear fiberglass epoxy and put on a thin layer. Works great for me.

This thread reminded me that I want to put skid plates on my Novacraft Haida. Gotta repair some gel coat damage first though--forgot about that too. Bleh, I don't wanna, but it's gotta get done.

quote nctry: "I only put one on the front of my solo. I know how abusive I am. Not that I try to be, but rocks happen as you know. I've repaired too many of used canoes that used up those internal skids. Of course these are mainly old rentals, I just know how I am. When it comes to missing rocks, I'm like Mr Magoo."

Agree. I didn't install one on the stern of Prism. Now I wish I would have. Spring '18 will install one. When fatigued I have become awfully clumsy, less agile on rocky landings. Mudro to Fourtown/1st portage comes to mind.

quote egknuti: "I would not put skid plates on. Wait until it’s worn down before doing any maintenance . Plus, you can apply extra layers of Kevlar and keep it looking like new instead of adding the thick ugly skid plated."

I'd try keel easy if you don't like the thick Kevlar felt. I saw an outfitter put duct tape on a couple canoes a while back. Maybe try that as a means to see how much wear you might anticipate. If you have an internal, I'd not do anything besides, but don't wait until it's wore thru to add something.

nctry: "

quote egknuti: "I would not put skid plates on. Wait until it’s worn down before doing any maintenance . Plus, you can apply extra layers of Kevlar and keep it looking like new instead of adding the thick ugly skid plated."

I'd try keel easy if you don't like the thick Kevlar felt. I saw an outfitter put duct tape on a couple canoes a while back. Maybe try that as a means to see how much wear you might anticipate. If you have an internal, I'd not do anything besides, but don't wait until it's wore thru to add something."

I use Gorilla tape for skid plates.
It can easily be replaced and its lightweight.
It is also the only option I could find for my Alley folding canoe. Its black and you can hardly see it on my Alley.