How Much Does a Canoe Cost?

Last Updated on December 21, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A canoe is an ideal investment for anyone who loves spending time on water, whether you are planning family fun on the nearest lake or hoping to embark on a solo river expedition. Canoes come in a surprising range of styles, from traditional polyethylene to futuristic designs. Some are specially designed for fishing, while others are adapted to fit a motor. In this article, we look at some of the best canoes to buy today.

How much does a canoe cost?

When thinking about purchasing a canoe you should know that there are two main categories you can choose from – brand new canoes and used canoes. For a used canoe you will have to pay anywhere between $200 and $600, while for a brand-new canoe you should plan on spending anywhere between $300 and $1,500, depending on the type, size, quality, and brand. However, the average cost of a brand-new fishing canoe of good quality would be around $1,100.

Canoe buying guide

Before purchasing a canoe there are some things you need to know so you can choose the right one for you. Here are some of the most important facts that will help you to decide which one to buy.

Types of canoes: there are canoes for paddling in the river, canoes for multiple purposes, and recreational canoes.

Seat types: the seats must be durable and tough while also making you feel comfortable when paddling.

The material a canoe is made of: a canoe can be made of polyethylene, royalex, Kevlar, fiberglass, and many more. Though, you should know that a canoe should be durable and lighter.

Rocker: for a smooth and fast movement you should have a smaller rocker or no rocker at all.

The shape of the hull: there are four types of hull shapes: v bottom shaped hulls, flat shaped, shallow arch, and round-shaped.

The length of the canoe: it can range from 14 feet to 18 feet or even more, but the most used length is 17 feet.

Canoe types

Here are some of the most common types of canoes

1. Old Town Discovery 119 Solo Canoe

This Old Town Canoe model is one of the best canoes on the market for short or long trips. Available in camo, green and red, the Old Town & Kayak Discovery 119 Solo Canoe is the favorite canoe for solo adventurers. It has a shallow arch, straight sides, and a moderate rocking chair. Together, these features ensure the perfect balance of stability and agility. Amazon reviewers love that this canoe is easy to handle.

Made of three-layer polyethylene, the canoe is designed to withstand any beatings. It is also light at only 49 pounds and has a length of 11’9 “. The hull of the canoe comes with a lifetime warranty.

Among the most important features are:

• the weight carrying capacity of 500 pounds;
• the canoe is stable, agile, and easy to handle at the same time;
• it comes with a comfortable carrying bag;
• it has a nylon webbed, UV resistant, breathable, and durable seats.

2. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2

This model is recommended for fishing and is made of PVC, designed with an 840D nylon cover and 1000D tarpaulin bottom. These features ensure the durable protection of the boat against punctures. There are multiple air chambers that will allow the other chambers to stay inflated in case one is damaged.

It has an airtight system and you will not have to worry about leakage. This also comes with a Berkley quick rod holder set which can be adjusted for better hands-free fishing. The Boston valve is double-threaded for easy inflation and deflation. In order to secure your canoe paddles out of the way, this model is equipped with paddle holders.

Among the most important features are:

• it has a leakage preventing an airtight system;
• 18 gauge PVC construction;
• 840D nylon cover;
• it has multiple air chambers.

3. Old Town Saranac 146 Recreational Family Canoe

This model is the perfect choice for smaller occupants. It comes with a thermoformed polyethylene hull, that is resistant to impacts and abrasion. The shape of the seats is stern and bow and includes molded-in storage trays, plus adjustable backrests for extra support.

This canoe is 14 feet and 6 inches long, weighs 79 pounds, and has the capacity to carry around 750 pounds.

Among the most important features are:

• has the capacity to carry about 750 pounds;
• thermoformed polyethylene hull;
• comes with a comfortable molded-in carrying bag included;
• the seats are contoured bow and stern.

Canoe FAQs

How is a kayak different from a canoe?

Although the two types of boats are similar at a first glance, there are actually some notable differences between a kayak and a canoe. For many people, the differences between a kayak and a canoe are minimal, but they do exist. For example, there are notable differences in their design and shape, as well as in the way oars are used. Thus, those who sail in a canoe are positioned in a bent position in one knee, while athletes who travel in a kayak are seated on special seats, while their legs are positioned straight in front of the body sitting on the chair.

You might also like our articles about the cost of kayaks, airboats, or parasailing.

Another clear difference is related to the shape and type of oars used. For a canoe, single-paddle oars are used at one end, while in a kayak, single-paddle oars are used at both ends.

Why is the canoe a Canadian symbol?

The canoe is considered a Canadian symbol because it is believed that the indigenous youth of Canada built the first canoe from birch bark.

What is the length of a canoe?

The length of a canoe is anywhere between 14 and 18 feet, or even more. However, the most common size is 17 feet.

What is the weight of a canoe?

The weight of a canoe would be anywhere between 50 and 80 pounds, depending on the materials it is made from.

What is a douche canoe?

A douche canoe is a lightweight crafted canoe that moves around the water.

Final words

You can choose to buy a used canoe or a brand new one. In order to do this, you should plan on spending $300 to more than $1,000. Though, a brand-new high-quality canoe will cost more than $1,100.