Nigel wrote:Thank you for your comments.
I notice the other canoes you have mentioned have more panels and thus a lot more complexity. Is there anything other than aesthetics (like safety, performance etc) to justify what seems like a lot more work?
Performance. A more rounded hull will be easier to paddle and be more efficient. If it's just going to be used for casual day trips with the family, that may not be important.
Nigel wrote:Also, with the Trapper I notice the maximum weight capacity is shown as 272 kg whereas the 15.5 Townsend is 397kg. Since I estimate that we weigh about 240kg in passengers not including luggage, the Trapper seems a little too small.
The weight ranges are for optimum paddling. Both can handle more but they will start to get sluggish.
Nigel wrote:And looking at the Townsend's specs I'm confused by the Townsend coming in 3 sizes that are only 6 inches apart? Is 6 inches a big deal? Is it hard to fit the 16 footer into/onto just 3 sheets of 8 foot (2440mm) ply or is the 15.5 a "safer" bet?
The 16' version is the longest you can get out of 3 sheets of ply but it required an extra panel splice. It was a custom design request to max-out the length and I obliged. 15.5 would be a little easier to assemble.
-Matt. Designer.
I hadn't seen the DK Touring canoe until this tread, but it does seem popular here. Is it an acceptable choice for a beginner as well?