Hi,

My partner and I are shopping for our first canoe, looking for a used tandem kevlar canoe that's in good shape. I've been talking to a few different outfitters in Grand Marais and Ely and we're planning to go check some out at the end of May.

I'm considering this one. It's a SR Quetico Le Tigre 17' from 2013 or 2014. It has been recoated with epoxy once, and he says there are no major issues or repairs needed, thought he did note that it has some small cracks in some ribs (but not noticeable enough for him to repair them).


What questions would you ask and what would you recommend I look for when we go check it out?

I'm also looking at a couple from the Piragi's 2019 fleet https://www.piragis.com/canoes-for-sale/used-canoes-and-kayaks
and from Canadian Waters. https://www.canadianwaters.com/canoe-trip-gear/used-gear-for-sale/used-canoes/#.Xr1tvxNKhhH

I appreciate any suggestions!

All you can really do is give it a thorough inspection and decide if you can live with or repair any damage. I bought a Q17 from Piragis a few years ago. I had to fiberglass a small crack, fill a few gouges with epoxy, and revarnish it. Not a big deal to me, but a deal breaker for some.

All depends how much you want to spend and how much you're willing to do on your own or let slide.

Voyageur North has a couple boats for sale too I believe including a Q17. I don't know if it's in quite that good of condition as in these pictures. But if it's $300 cheaper or something....

I bought a used Quetico 18.5' a few years ago. It was pretty used with repaired cracked ribs and a lot of scratches. It has worked great, and with savings of about $1800 it makes my bank account happy too.
It's also very easy to repair cracked ribs with fiberglass & epoxy.

I know that John at VNO was culling his Q17 and Q18 fleet in favor of the Northwind line. Weaker rib design resulting in increased cracking in the most recent years' production of the Quetico was the reason. Older models -- (pre-2011 ??.. John could tell you for sure) -- had the stronger ribs.

schweady: "I know that John at VNO was culling his Q17 and Q18 fleet in favor of the Northwind line. Weaker rib design resulting in increased cracking in the most recent years' production of the Quetico was the reason. Older models -- (pre-2011 ??.. John could tell you for sure) -- had the stronger ribs.
"

As a long time Wabakimi Project participant I noted that Uncle Phil’s SR canoes often developed cracked ribs. This even reoccurred on a canoe he had refurnished at the factory. Seemed to be a recurrent problem. But then his canoes received very heavy usage all season long year after year.