Many people think that canoes are all the same. These boats may look nearly similar to one another, but they are different. You will know the difference based on the materials used and the overall look of the canoe.
In reality, canoes come in different forms and types. Each canoe type is for a distinct purpose. Some canoes have particular materials that fit them better to harsher waves or water rapids.
Well, rowing a canoe can give a person peace of time. So if you do want to learn and experience the fun, learning about canoes will be your first step. In this article, we will dive into the different types of canoes that you have to know.
Lightweight canoes
One of the most innovative types of canoe existing is the lightweight canoe. Lightweight canoes are perfect for racing or fishing trips where you have several stop points. These materials enable you to have any quick boating or fishing trips whenever you want.
Lightweight canoes are suitable for whitewater adventures. The material is generally from layers of fabric infused with resin or epoxy. The materials used in this canoe make it different from the others.
There are now lightweight canoes that are inflatable. With new and modern technology, lightweight canoes are getting better.
The benefits of owning a lightweight canoe are as follows:
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- Extreme lightweight
- Portable and easy to carry
- Customizable design options
Inflatable Canoes
Inflatable canoes are among the most economical and convenient canoe choices. Owning an inflatable canoe is one of the most popular trends these days. It is because inflatables are easy to transport and manage.
The best thing about owning an inflatable canoe is its convenience. Managing the canoe is not complicated and gives the owner less hassle.
A whitewater canoe is an excellent example of this canoe, where the material is highly durable and portable. You can use the inflatable canoe for different types of water. You can use it in whitewater and saltwater. You can even use it to calm, medium, and powerful rapids. Thus, an inflatable canoe is best for recreational or watersports activities.
Owning an inflatable canoe can get you into a water adventure instant and fast. You can pack and transport it easily. You can just put it in the back of your truck and find any body of water to use it.
Pumping the inflatable canoe is not a heavy task either. You can bring your ordinary pump and inflate the canoe whenever you want.
The benefits of having an inflatable canoe are the following:
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- Cost-effective
- Low maintenance requirement
- Extremely lightweight
- Portable
Kevlar Canoes
Kevlar canoes are also lightweight canoes. Kevlar canoes are recommendable for a calm and serene boating experience. Kevlar canoes are similar to lightweight canoes, but the composite material makes them distinct from the others.
Usually, Kevlar canoes have a composite material used in a bulletproof vest. The material kind enables the boat to receive a minimal impact during the turmoil of the trip.
So the blend in the materials gives Kevlar canoes a strength that can withstand rocky riverbeds or edgy water rapids.
The benefits of owning a Kevlar canoe are:
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- Extreme lightweight
- Faster speed when paddling
- Better design option
Fiberglass Canoes
Fiberglass is among the most popular materials in construction. As a boat material, fiberglass gives heavy durability and efficiency among other kinds of canoes.
Fiberglass canoes are lightweight with decent speed and impact-resistant canoes. The materials of this canoe are usually fibers and resin mixtures molded and hardened together.
The material used for fiberglass canoes is perfect for a whitewater or flatwater rides. The materials are top-notch and high quality. You can expect a fiberglass canoe to be more expensive than other types of canoe.
The benefits of owning a fiberglass canoe are exceptional. Here are some of them:
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- Highly durable
- Low maintenance requirement
- Lightweight
Carbon Fiber Canoes
Inspired by fiberglass canoes, a carbon fiber canoe is from a carbon composite. The materials of a carbon fiber canoe make it exceptional in flexibility and durability tests. The material of a carbon fiber canoe is a level-up of fiberglass canoes. The liquid resin goes through a vacuum process to mold the carbon fiber. The process ensures that there is no excess resin in the mold. The boat also has a gel coat finish, best to prevent dirt and moisture from forming.
Carbon fiber canoes are best for racing, allowing you to utilize a full rowing or paddling speed. However, a carbon fiber canoe also fits in calm waters. You can use it to paddle in a lake or lagoon.
A carbon fiber canoe is also light, like a Kevlar canoe. Though the material structure is different, you can see the similarity in the weight of these two canoes.
The ultimate benefits of a carbon fiber canoe are the following:
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- Highly customizable
- Extra lightweight
- Impact resistant
Aluminum Canoes
The aluminum canoe is a traditional and common type of canoe. Usually, aluminum canoes are among the favorites of boat beginners.
Aluminum canoes can last for a long time. Unlike wood-type canoes, aluminum will not rot or easily get destroyed. Storing the aluminum canoe outdoors will pose no problem as the material can withstand the outdoor climate.
The materials of an aluminum canoe are corrosion-resistant. However, ensure to exert effort to be careful in using the canoe in salt water as it can harm the canoe.
The benefits of the aluminum canoe are the following:
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- Low maintenance requirement
- Lightweight
- Not expensive
- Durable
In Conclusion
Buying a canoe will boil down to the purpose. Learning why you will use the canoe will enable you to find the best canoe.
If you want to use it for a recreational ride, choose something that fits you. If you wish to use it for a water sport, find the canoe material that gives you the highest benefit.
Owning a boat is not a common trend. Prices of canoes may differ on the materials used and the kind of upgrade you want. So you have to decide well for the best canoe of your choice.
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