November 4, 2006
What type of canoes should we use?
During previous trips to the Amazon, I have always used dug- out canoes, which we purchased near the starting points of our expeditions. The dugout canoes are cheap to buy, easy to aquire, and help us fit in, because all of the local people are also using dugout canoes. However, they are very heavy, which makes them slow, hard to manuver, and less stable than the canoes we use in the United States.
We have been considering bringing our own canoes down to Peru this year because they are faster, lighter, and can handle larger rapids and waves. However, these canoes would be expensive to buy, and expensive transport to the Amazon.
Help us decide. What type of canoes do you think we should us and why?
Updated by dfreeman at November 4, 2006 5:20 PM
Comments
Dave,
Go high tech. Dug-outs are fine, but you are heading into a long trip. Canoe choice is always interesting. I would choose durability and stability, with as much speed as possible. Is fitting in a safety issue? If not being diffferent may be as good, diversity is ok. I hate to say it, but Aluminum might be the way to go. Stable, and fairly industructable. I would go with a 17 foot. Some speed, durable and can carry alot of weight. I would go old school. I bet the Marathon boat company will outfit you. Of course, there is the issue of rapids., portaging, etc. But I still think Aluminum is the way to go.
http://www.marathonboat.com/canoes1.htm
17' Double-Ender -- The legendary 17 footer --
the most recognized aluminum canoe ever built. Available in standard .050" hull thickness (G1750C), with optional shallow draft keel (G1750CSK), .060" (G1760C) or the .040" lightweight hull thickness for easy portability (G1740C).
Posted by: Rich Millard at January 29, 2007 11:35 AM
