Hello,

I am new to this forum and have a 2020 Perception tribe tandem that I am in the process of selling because it’s just too heavy and awkward for me to mount on the truck by myself.

I would like advice on finding a relatively good, swift canoe that’s fairly light (sub 45lbs ) that is not too expensive. I found a Canadian company that sells for 2600 ca dollars and one in Maine called Class Five Canoe co. ($1600 about ) .

Does anyone know anything about this Class Five company? Are their canoes good?

I demoed a Hornbek in New York. 17’ 31lbs. It was fast and light at $2600. However, I am not sure if it’s sturdiness on the bottom on the boat and maybe need something just a little more durable and less expensive if possible. $1600 is a great price if the boat is decent.

What do you think? Any Kevlar boatmakers your recommend??

This boat would be for me to ride tandem as well as solo. My wife weighs 100lbs, daughter 55Lbs and growing (7yr) , myself 190lbs, and pooch 22lbs.

Welcome to the board!

Northwind, Wenonah and Souris River all make kevlar boats that have similar attributes and weigh in around the mid-40s in terms of pounds. Each does something slightly different in handling, loading and stability depending upon your own preferences for a canoe. If you want one of these at your price of around $1600, you will have to look used. Outfitters put these up for sale in the fall (Sept - Nov) and again in the spring (March-April). You may get lucky if someone has something for sale on this board or some of the usual other social media places.

Others can give you more specific information. I haven't heard of Class Five Canoe Co in Maine. It's been a while since I lived in that area but there are a few other board members who haunt that neck of the woods and they can give you advice/intel on that canoe manufacturer.

Good luck!

I would definitely go with a used canoe to get in that price range. HighnDry nailed it, in mid Sept. outfitters will start selling their fleets to update them. Most keep a canoe three years and then replace it, Piragis sells them after only one year in the rental fleet. You'll get nice discounts and they are pre-scratched so you don't have to worry about making the first ones. One of the few things that I would never buy new and only purchase used is a canoe. Try to test paddle before you buy, every model handles and feels differently. You don't mention how old your daughter is but I would plan for the future and get a 3 seater. You'll have a lot of choices.

Well the Classfive company I'm familiar with is actually located in the Chattanooga TN area. They originally only made whitewater canoes, hence the name. However, several years ago Mohawk Canoe moved to Chattanooga and somehow struck up some sort of partnership with Classfive. That is when Classfive started making flat water boats. Their tripping and rec canoes are Mohawk designs. All are basically versions of the Mohawk Blazer. If you can't find much info on the Classfive boats, just look up Mohawk canoes.

I don't have any experience with these boats other than seeing them when I travel down south for work and asking about them. I always like to take an interest in local boat builders. They seemed like a decent boat and of course Mohawk has been around for a long time.

Thanks for the quick replies everyone!!! I will look into mohawk blazer.

A new Kevlar canoe will be expensive. Some outfitters have some deals on used boats. New Northstar, Wenonah, Savage River, Swift... too many hulls to choose from.

Rusty, a few questions...

You live in New York. If you find a suitable canoe here in the midwest (and you will), how will you get it to New York?

Will you have a chance to test paddle the canoe or are you going to take our word for it? :)

What will be the main use for your canoe? You mention your family members and dog so you'll want a boat that fits them all comfortably. Do you expect to take canoe trips in the Boundary Waters or Quetico or are you looking for a canoe that you can use on rivers and lakes closer to home?

I've never heard of the canoe companies you mention in your post. Doesn't mean they're not good canoes, though. I'm just not familiar. With that said, they look like varying versions of solo canoes. The photos even show them being paddled with a double-blade paddle. I just wonder if they would be the type of canoe that you'd be happy with when trying to outfit your family.

The main use for the canoe you're looking to buy will help a lot in determining the right fit. The ones mentioned above - Northwind, Wenonah and Souris River - are the three most commonly used kevlar canoes around these parts.

There are a number of reputable canoe builders in the east such as Ranger and Hemlock. Google is your friend. For used, check Craigslist in your area.