I just wanted to start a thread on buying vs renting a canoe
what do you guys do and why?

I still rent but am thinking that maybe I should buy one
I really like they idea of customizing a canoe for your rods, seat and any other things you might take with you

I think this one's a no-brainer. If you're going to go on at least one canoe trip a year, buying a canoe is worth it in the long run. At ~ $30/day, you're probably spending at least $100 on canoe rentals per trip.

A used kevlar boat in great condition can be bought for less than $1500. I bought one directly from Swift, no patches or other similarly "large" defects, for $1400 no tax. One may argue that they rent heavier canoes for cheaper rates, but such heavier canoes can be found for $1000 or less.

I'm really just tossing out numbers that I remember when deciding whether or not to buy my own boat. Tack on the trust you develop for your own boat, the customization, the lack of dependence on an outfitter to be open/ready to equip you whenever THEY are ready to do so, I think it sells itself

I would highly recommend checking out Swift's sales events. Tons of great deals. They usually have a flyer on their website (www.swiftcanoe.com) where they'll visit different areas with a slew of new/used boats for sale. Just be patient when buying -- a good used deal will come your way eventually

assuming that you paddle simply, without paying much attention to progress or quality of the paddle (i mean the movement of your canoe), then not much else would be of issue (when renting), except for expense and inconvenience (though that inconvenience is probably light). so it's probably important that you ask yourself if you see yourself to be one to canoe a lot- exceeding, or coming near to matching, the cost of buying a canoe. if so, buy. but if you pay much attention to the quality of the paddle, independant of for how long you will be canoeing, then you might prefer to buy one still, for that quality then promised. i think it's best to ask what business you see yourself having with canoes in the future. this cannot not help steer your choosing properly. if customizing your boat means a lot to you (like quality of movement may), you might consider buying, for then you can ensure the features you like. it all depends on your interests now and forcasts for later.

algoalex

What's that old joke? The two best days for a boat owner are the day he buys it and the day he sells it?

Not true for a canoe.

I have had the supreme privilege to paddle some of the finest craft ever manufactured, and owning your own canoe is the way to go. And while there is much fun to be had in a basic old town or mad river, there is a beauty and a uniqueness in a handmade canoe that i have yet to find elsewhere.

Post production add ons are fun, but having a say in the construction of your boat is really special. Ten years ago, when Dave Curtis was doing the final assembly on the Eagle that my dad was purchasing, he let the two of us add our own little touches to it. My dad loves slotted gunwales, and he was able to get those put in. I asked for cane seats and stained walnut decks.

On top of this, my uncle, who had sprayed the gelcoat for Dave, inscribed a short Robert Service poem on the front of the bow flotation compartment. Little things like that made the canoe ours, it deepened the relationship we had with it as we took it all over Quetico, Algonquin, and the Adirondacks.

My point is, if you can buy a boat, do it. Not only is it economically sensible, its nice to have a boat that is your own. You'll know your boat; how far you can lean out before it tips, where to sit, how it tacks through wind, etc. You'll grow to love it more than you ever could a rental.

Boats are fun.

Tenzing

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The inscription is partially obscured, just under the orange sponge.

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awesome thanks guys

so does anyone have one for sale?

If you're looking for used, Craigslist can be hit or miss, but I just bought a Bell off of it.

You might also try myccr.com. They have a buy/sell forum.

I monitor Craigslist and (when i can) kijiji. Haven't seen anything good yet, but it's still winter time. When I was looking, I found some awesome deals on Langford and Swift kevlar boats. Used but in pristine condition, but all were a fair drive away. Still, some of these prices were worth the drive. Try googling models with the term "used canoe" and " ". I'd recommend filling those parameters with "swift mattawa", "langford nahanni", "langford prospector", or any other boats about which you may've read good reviews. For example, searching in Google for: "used canoe" "swift kipawa" brought up the following boat for sale in Ottawa:

http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-Swift-Kipawa-Canoe-W0QQAdIdZ110021728

and another outfitter who sells their rental fleets (very nice/kind to talk to, as well):

http://www.killarney.com/KillarneyOutfitters.com/used-canoe-for-sale-swift-Kipawa-16.html

Note that's a killer price for that second boat if there isn't any really bad damage to it.

On that note, in early spring, call the outfitters and see if they'll be having any sales of old fleet. Killarney outfitters (selling the boat above) are very nice to deal with -- i was considering buying from them but they didn't have anything decent when i was int he market. If Randy Mitson's around here, he can comment on Algonquin Outfitters' rental fleet sales, if any exist.

Swift is having two events this month -- one visit at the Toronto Sportsmen's show and the other at the Spring Cottage Life Show. Neither sound like events where they'd be selling used boats, but it wouldn't hurt to call and ask. Otherwise, they do have these little "touring" events where they load up trucks with 50+ used boats and visit little marinas around the country. Last year i bought my boat at Whitby Marina. They also had a show out in Guelph somewhere. Just monitors they're website.

As for Langford, not sure they have such used sales.

Geez, just searching on Google for a canoe to buy made my pockets heavy. Good luck!

hmmm, the Killarney Outfitters add doesn't quite match the picture - it mentions a sliding bowseat but the picture doesn't show one. Nonetheless, it does look like it could be a good price.

Personally - I buy or build canoes. I have friends who fish with us once a year and rent every year. Both approaches work.

The Swift spring sale in Guelph is usually around the 25th of April at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. When I bought my Temagami, I had talked to the Swift folks at one of the shows (Boat Show or Cottage Life show), then called up and bought the canoe over the phone. The person I talked to went out and looked at the rack, came back and told me which one was in the best condition and then swapped a kneeling thwart for a middle seat at no cost. Swift then delivered it to Guelph for me and I picked it up at the sale.

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