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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Lightweight aluminum canoe
 
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WindChill
11/02/2020 08:54AM
  
Hey All - I need some help locating a canoe.

My Scout Troop has several of the lightweight Alumacraft QT17. One of them was damaged beyond repair in the recent derecho. Insurance is covering it so we're going to replace it - if we can find one.

I contacted the dealer where we got it - they no longer carry Alumacraft. I contacted the dealer they suggested and was told Alumacraft is no longer making canoes. He has one QT17c - a standard weight model but that's the last he will have.

So...what other manufacturers build a 17ft canoe at around 60lbs?

We need aluminum, not only because of the rough treatment but because they are stored outdoors year-round. Naturally we want the light weight model so the Scout have a chance of carrying it.

Thanks!
Jay
 
AtwaterGA
11/02/2020 03:59PM
  
I agree with you about aluminum canoes and use by Scout Troops. I was Scoutmaster for many years and we acquired 18 canoes and three trailers. All are still in use. Only one was destroyed when it was loaned out. We replaced it with a used aluminum canoe. The last I heard was that Alumacraft still makes canoes but they will not ship less than an order of six. Grumman still makes canoes. You can pick up used canoes if you search Craig's List. Most Scout canoes are stored in the sun. Our Troop canoes are 40 years old and other materials would be destroyed by 40 years in the sun.
 
campnfish
11/03/2020 12:36PM
  
If you need a second one there is a canoe listed locally here in MN on CL, its 18ft lightweight version.
 
WindChill
11/04/2020 09:28AM
  
campnfish: "If you need a second one there is a canoe listed locally here in MN on CL, its 18ft lightweight version."


THanks for the heads up. RMinMN is a possibility but still looking for a 17 footer.



 
paddy3001
11/10/2020 09:45AM
  
Seconding what everyone else has said - keep an eye on Craigslist. For Alumacraft, look specifically for the QT 17-CL model (64 pounds) or Voyageur model (~56 pounds). Those are the two lightweight versions Alumacraft made.


Some BWCA outfitters have occasionally sold used lightweight canoes, too.


Happy hunting!
 
WindChill
11/10/2020 09:53AM
  
paddy3001: "Seconding what everyone else has said - keep an eye on Craigslist. For Alumacraft, look specifically for the QT 17-CL model (64 pounds) or Voyageur model (~56 pounds). Those are the two lightweight versions Alumacraft made.


Some BWCA outfitters have occasionally sold used lightweight canoes, too.
Happy hunting!"


Thanks paddy, I had not been out to the canoes to confirm the exact model.


No luck so far in my local area Craigslist. I do have a line on one at an Ely outfitter - we'll see if everything comes together for it.



 
WindChill
11/15/2020 06:53PM
  
Following up...


Grumman lists Packsack Canoe Trips in Ely as a dealer so I contacted them. They said Grumman does still make a lightweight model but they need an order of 35 before they will build them. However - Jane at Packsack said they have a few in their rental fleet and would sell me one. The price is right and I was able to find a local Troop going to Northern Tier for Okpik who will bring it back for me.


Thanks to all for the suggestions.

 
RMinMN
11/02/2020 06:05PM
  
I have a lightweight aluminum canoe that has spent most of its life in a shed. It's a Grumman and is supposed to weigh just 54 pounds but it is an 18 foot. Let me know if you are interested.

 
WindChill
11/02/2020 06:17PM
  
RMinMN: "I have a lightweight aluminum canoe that has spent most of its life in a shed. It's a Grumman and is supposed to weigh just 54 pounds but it is an 18 foot. Let me know if you are interested.
"


Sent you an email to get more info.