Quick question. Are canoes more stable than kayaks? Thinking of doing some river fishing next year and wondering what to use. I have a kayak but could purchase a canoe also if that would be better. Thanks for replies, Pop
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Quick question. Are canoes more stable than kayaks? Thinking of doing some river fishing next year and wondering what to use. I have a kayak but could purchase a canoe also if that would be better. Thanks for replies, Pop
You could put homemade outriggers on to keep more stable
Depends on the model. But a general comparison between solo canoe vs solo kayak---kayaks tend to be more stable, as you are sitting closer to the water, however canoes are much drier. But it again it depends on the specific model. Width and waterline length play a role but so does any curvature of the bottom (tumblehome or skegs)
I paddled and fished out of canoes for 20 years before buying my first kayak and I will not go back. The stability has a lot to do with the hull design. The rounded bottoms on most of the canoes I have paddled did not have the stability of the kayaks I like to paddle. My first kayak was a Wilderness Systems Ride 135 (bought on the recommendation of members of this forum). The 135 was very stable and fast a great kayak to fish out of. I also picked up a Nucanoe shortly after and it was a super stable and good fishing platform, both were more stable than the canoes I have paddled. The only problem with these kayaks was their weight. I now paddle a Native Ultimate which is a sit in very much like a canoe but with a pontoon shape hull and to me better stability than a canoe and much lighter than my other kayaks. The Native Ultimate was also recommended by a member here on the forum, he actually let me paddle his one day to see if I liked it. So my opinion is that the right kayak can be more comfortable and more stable than any canoe I have ever paddled.....and I think I have paddled some pretty good canoes. Good luck hope my opinion helps. Paddle everything you can and make up your own mind is always the best advice.
I currently have a Wilderness Ride 115 that I enjoy fishing from and don't plan on giving up fishing from this kayak. I also have a 16 foot crestline with a gas motor. Guess I just enjoy fishing. I have been looking at a Sports Pal canoe which has a flat bottom for stability and appears to be constructed very well. Maybe my question should have been directed just to the Sports Pal canoe.
Thanks, Pop
If you're looking for stability, check this out:
Attachment 322059
All it is, is a pool noodle slipped over bent conduit, screwed to the gunnel.
Attachment 322060
The below picture is from many many years ago. with this canoe I remember being able to get into the canoe from the water on the side very easy, it was so stable. This canoe had extra large noodles!
Attachment 322058
On the above, I did not screw anything to the canoe. I just wrapped bungee cords around the cross members, and the bent conduit. In this case I connected both sides together as you see pictured.
That’s easy and smart. I like it
:hesaid That’s pretty awesome!
Pop,
I think you have an excellent kayak in the Ride 115, but it never hurts to have another kayak, canoe or boat. Best thing is find someone with a Sport Pal that they will let you paddle if possible.
Looks like a good kayak to me, a good balance of cost and convenience for fishing, now just to find one at a good price. Have a dealer in Greenville SC, not too far away.
Everything is individually for everyone's choice. Indeed, many things depend on the model of kayak or canoe. At the exact moment, you must consider why you need it - to float or you want to use it for fishing. As for me, the canoe is better for fishing. You can take a look at some models that are considered the best on outdoorlifecafe.com. Study the characteristics carefully to understand what loading is possible for your boat and what thickness and material from which it is made.
A canoe is much dryer, can be lighter and hold far more gear. Canoes run the gamut in stability though. Those made for fishing are much much more stable than those made for running rivers and speed on big water. I have a sportspal and my dog can go swimming and climb back in with no problems. I have other canoes that will roll if you lean the wrong way. You really need to research the various models before you make that decision.
I've owned a 15' Grumman flat bottom, heavy gauge aluminum canoe for decades. I use it with a side-mount trolling motor, have oar locks for rowing and can stand in it when I'm fishing. The oars are used to keep the canoe on track (like keels) and for rowing in shallow areas where the trolling motor has to be raised. I sit facing backwards at one end and the battery is in the middle of the canoe near the trolling motor and also used for my Lowrance fish finder with transducer attached to the tm.
I can easily carry it on my shoulders and at one time mounted it on my car rack (a Ford Maverick in fact). Fished out of it for years until I got a bass boat but still use it where gas motors aren't allowed and for a shallow river and lakes where access is limited from the road.
What spoonminnow said. I’ve fished out of a canoe since scouts and have owned a few. My last was fairly recent and was a Grumman 15’ with a flat bottom. Worked well and never had any stability issues. I also faced backwards from the front seat to better distribute the weight. Also had a tm mount on it that wasn’t big at 35 lbs of thrust and I had other canoe folks telling me I was cheating. I think they were jealous. And yes, I too stood and fished out of it. Bad shoulders was my reason for selling. Loading and having to empty and reload when using it was a bother and I started looking for a Jon and trailer. If the shoulders were better, I’d have a canoe like it til I wasn’t able to walk, one of the best platforms available.
I have an Old Town 14 Guide series. I can stand in the middle and paddle it with a kayak paddle. It sure helps when you need to stretch out after sitting for so long
Probably and old SURFER...all I can say is Ya Talented...and I be JealousQuote:
Originally Posted by DockShootinJack
No surfable stuff where I grew up. Certainly can't skateboard or roller skate.