opinions from experienced paddlers...

[Seraphim]

DW and I have been looking for a canoe, strictly day trips these days.&nbsp; We have decided kayaks are out, because of DWs skin allergies she cannot be wet for extended periods of time.&nbsp; Every time we've seen people out or been out in a kayak (limited) the paddler gets wet it seems - even in calm waters.<br /><br />We did well in our younger years with canoes, but now have limited options for transporting with the tall camper we have. We could fit a 14' canoe inside the TC while we travelled: a bit of a hassle, but could be done.&nbsp; Once the camper was off, we could carry the canoe locally on the truck. Would need to be careful the canoe was completely dry before moving on.<br /><br />Our other option was a folder/inflatable.&nbsp; Has anyone here had experience with these and could you offer opinions or recommendations.&nbsp; Again, we'd be mostly lakes or slow rivers.

 

[twokniveskatie]

Hmmm, bump.

I just sold the kayak yesterday. I get unlimited visitation privileges and a cottage on the river to boot. But I'm already looking for my future boat.

 

[owl]

&nbsp;&nbsp; I also sold my yak last spring and am thinking somekind of boat again. I also would be interested in folks experience with inflatables etc.

 

[twokniveskatie]

There are 2 things that have caught my eye: a mad river canoe, and one of those Alpaca raft inflatables, but I'm gonna have to sell a LOT of hats

 

[twokniveskatie]

Here's a link to the mad river synergy canoe, a canoe/kayak hybrid. Didn't know they discontinued them :-(

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Mad-River-Synergy-12-Kayak&i=420891

 

[twokniveskatie]

And the alpaka rafts

http://www.alpackaraft.com/

 

[wandering mike]

Not sure if the OP was talking about inflatable kayaks or canoes. &nbsp;I carry an <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/800973/advanced-elements-advancedframe-sport-kayak">Advanced Elements Inflatable that I got from REI</a>. I have the optional "backbone". &nbsp;I don't use it as much as I should. &nbsp;It is fun. &nbsp;I don't get wet anymore than I would in a canoe. &nbsp;And I am 108 Kilos (thats 17 stones for the Brits and 240 lbs for most of us). &nbsp;I am actually a bit over the design weight. &nbsp;I store it above my cabover on the Class C. &nbsp;It is&nbsp;definitely not for any kind of rapids though.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc84/OlderMike/Kayak.jpg" class="bbc_img" /></div>

 

[mockturtle]

I don't usually get wet while kayaking, except for my feet when getting in or out.&nbsp; And waterproof socks [like I wear with my wet suit in winter] could take care of that.&nbsp; A dry suit [expensive] could keep you entirely dry but you wouldn't want to wear it in hot weather.

 

[offroad]

Serephim - not experienced but did research a month ago. The INNOVA brand has several models of inflatable kayak. There expedition capable models have been used for real expeditions. Think this will be what I buy in a few months when tax return is received.&nbsp;

 

[Seraphim]

Thanks for the responses.

We've lookedr at the PakBoats online, but can't locate a dealer which keeps them in stock. REI can order one, but I hate to buy one sight unseen. I hear good things, though.
Hadn't heard of the innova brand.

Katie

Thanks for bumping it back up.

I should have mentioned DW is allergic to most fabrics except cotton or silk. Neoprene is not an option. A real pain to be an outdoors person and be allergic to the world.

We observed a kayak consortium in the UP last year and didn't see one kayak come back with a dry interior. I think Te higher seats of a canoe will be a necessity.

 

[twokniveskatie]

No problem with the bump. I hadn't answered before because I don't really have a lot of experience. Glad it didn't end up being a thread hijack. You know how those mods get.

Have you thought of a spray skirt?

 

[Seraphim]

Yes, but they still don't seem perfect in keeping out water. We know from experience we can keep dry in a canoe.