Hello. First I would like to say that there is a great bit of information here for someone new. I have always loved canoes but have not had as much time in my past to truly enjoy them. Now I am at a point in my life where I can look into the possibility of a wood and canvas canoe. I have always been intrigued with the wood and canvas canoes ever since I saw one while visiting Maine. I have been even more interested in building one for years. Now is the time to look into that possibility more seriously.
I am in the information gathering stages right now. I know that it would be easier to just buy one built already but there is an appeal to build one. Plus if I would buy a used one I would be afraid of not knowing what all to look for to get something worth its value. I have read a little bit of information on open forms instead of the traditional form and this does appeal to me, especially since building one will more than likely be a one time process and not use the form again.
I have been surprised with the number of different designs available out there. I would love to hear feedback from everyone on styles and sizes of canoes to look at for consideration whether I build or buy one. Here is a little about me to help steer me in the right direction. I am in my mid 40's and weigh 200 pounds. I currently have a 14' Old Town Hunter canoe. I go out in it by myself 98% of the time. On the rare occasion that someone else goes with me it is just for a brief paddle. It does the job that I need it to do but always wonder if there is another design better suited for me. Besides just going out for a paddle on a local lake I do like to fly fish occasionally from it. I mostly fish taking it to Maine and floating down flat-water streams or in smaller to mid sized lakes. I do not stand up to cast and prefer to sit on a seat instead of kneeling in the canoe. I mostly only go out for the day but will look to go out for a few days. If I do go out it will be by myself and I can pack very light. I also backpack and can get away with a 20 pound pack including food for a four day trip in temperatures down to the mid 30's. I can comfortably camp down to 0* but I needs a couple of more pounds of insulation. I do see myself bringing a dutch oven in the canoe but I will not be going crazy with heavy carrying weights. When I do hit lakes I tend to paddle closer to shore instead of in the middle of the lake.
I do appreciate any feedback on styles of canoes to help me narrow down the list some.
I am in the information gathering stages right now. I know that it would be easier to just buy one built already but there is an appeal to build one. Plus if I would buy a used one I would be afraid of not knowing what all to look for to get something worth its value. I have read a little bit of information on open forms instead of the traditional form and this does appeal to me, especially since building one will more than likely be a one time process and not use the form again.
I have been surprised with the number of different designs available out there. I would love to hear feedback from everyone on styles and sizes of canoes to look at for consideration whether I build or buy one. Here is a little about me to help steer me in the right direction. I am in my mid 40's and weigh 200 pounds. I currently have a 14' Old Town Hunter canoe. I go out in it by myself 98% of the time. On the rare occasion that someone else goes with me it is just for a brief paddle. It does the job that I need it to do but always wonder if there is another design better suited for me. Besides just going out for a paddle on a local lake I do like to fly fish occasionally from it. I mostly fish taking it to Maine and floating down flat-water streams or in smaller to mid sized lakes. I do not stand up to cast and prefer to sit on a seat instead of kneeling in the canoe. I mostly only go out for the day but will look to go out for a few days. If I do go out it will be by myself and I can pack very light. I also backpack and can get away with a 20 pound pack including food for a four day trip in temperatures down to the mid 30's. I can comfortably camp down to 0* but I needs a couple of more pounds of insulation. I do see myself bringing a dutch oven in the canoe but I will not be going crazy with heavy carrying weights. When I do hit lakes I tend to paddle closer to shore instead of in the middle of the lake.
I do appreciate any feedback on styles of canoes to help me narrow down the list some.