Old town canoes have been about for over a century, and in this time they have continually provided the most up to date durable materials within the construction of their canoes. They have a massive range, in which most paddlers will be able to find something that ticks their personal preference boxes.

Starting from the lower specs they offer the Saranac, this Is a wide, stable 3 seater canoe which has plenty of storage built in to the centre seat. The Saranacs allow people who just want to get out on the water at minimal cost to paddle up and down rivers or lakes with comfort and ease.

In the middle of the range they offer the Charles River 158, Guide 147 & 160s as well as the Discovery 119, 158 & 169s and Penobscot 164 & 174 all of which are made from a very durable 3 layer skin set up which involves sandwiching high density foam between two layers of plastic giving the boats rigidity, strength, buoyancy and the ability to be as hard wearing as possible.

Next on their list are the Royalex boats which are incredibly lightweight for their size – the difference is that of being able to carry a canoe by oneself and struggling with 2 people. Royalex is built up in the same way as the previous plastic boats, but the material is slightly softer due to the lightweight nature of it – this being said it is the most popular material among professionals and experienced paddlers alike and is never wasted on a recreational paddler as the weight of the boat allows you to get out far more often and easily than if you struggle to lift another. The Royalex canoes in the range are – Charles river 163, Penobscot 16 & 17, Camper 15 & 16, Appalachian, Tripper and the Pack. These cover every side of paddling from Expedition to Whitewater paddling and everything in the middle.

Finally, Old town still produce lovely wooden canoes which look beautiful and are ideally suited to deeper water (most people couldn’t bare to damage them on shallow water)

Old town have successfully combined tradition and innovation for over 100 years now which is why their canoes are one of the top rated and most sought after in the world.

Please view the range here http://www.hbcanoekayak.co.uk

The Old Town Discovery series of canoes is described as “Tough, rugged, stable and easy to handle” This holds true on all 3 of the models, the 119 – a solo canoe which is compact and makes getting on the water easy when out by oneself. The 169 – a longer canoe which can comfortably seat 3, maybe even 4! But will still handle perfectly with 2 paddlers on an easy day out. Then there is the 158…

the Discovery 158 is a 15ft 8” canoe which has been a best seller for years. It will comfortably sit 2 Adults with a load of kit, or if a snap in seat is used the space can be made to seat a smaller member of the family. The flat hull design keeps the boat very initially stable, meaning that it will inspire confidence in even the most sceptic beginner. It may be best suited to paddling flat waters, lakes, lochs and calm rivers. However it also can navigate some moderate rapid water should you come to it. The Old Town name means many things, some of them being tradition, build quality and reliability, the combination of these will allow you to have a trouble free boat and a decent return on your investment should you ever sell it.

To sum up – the Discovery 158 is a stable easy to paddle tandem canoe which is well suited to camping trips, day trips and learning all the basics on some easy going water and rivers.

Here is the specs:

Length

15′ 8 / 4.8 m

Width

35.5 / 90.0 cm

Bow Height

21.5 / 54.6 cm

Depth

13.5 / 34.2 cm

Weight

80 lbs / 36.2 kg

Max Load Range

1,100 – 1,150 lbs /
499 – 521.6 kg

 

You can order this kayak from Powys  canoes and kayaks page of HB Canoes.

HB Canoes & Kayaks Herefordshire

They have the proud distinction of being the largest one stop centre for all kinds of canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, clothing accessories and equipment that any amateur or professional would require in the UK. They stock only the top brands in each of the categories mentioned and though located in Herefordshire, they are able to manage supplies to both nearby counties such as Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and South Wales as well as far off counties. They do not have multiple centres and do not have anybody else representing them in the UK as they wish to concentrate on providing exclusive and dedicated services to customers by them selves.

Unlike other shops, the showroom is a huge expanse of space in which the best of boats that is possible from across the country are placed for the viewing display of interested customers. They have actually converted a couple of huge barns into this wonderful display showroom so that the customer can actually see the item he wishes to buy.

However the one unique aspect which sets them apart from every other showroom is the fact that they provide you access to a demo lake that is located just next to their shop. Here, you can immediately take a test drive and actually feel how the chosen or shortlisted boat or kayak would perform in water. Let us face it – the proof of the pudding is in its eating and irrespective of how well a particular item has been made out to be or explained, till the same is tried and tested, it is of no use to you as a customer and that is what the folks at Hbcanoekayak have well recognized.

What’s more, another demonstration of their sensitivity towards customer requirements is the wonderful camping space they have organised for those who come from far off destinations. This camp site is well equipped with toilets and shower blocks so that customers feel comfortable and at home. Interested customers can take a quick tour of the lovely countryside based at this camp and enjoy them selves.

Their rates are structured such that customers get a package deal comprising of the boat, the equipment and club services if required.

Whether you are a beginner or expert, never skimp on this bit of equipment, your life could depend on it!