I'm a new paddler looking for an old canoe to get into the sport. I found an arrow one man for $500 and was wondering if this seems like a good deal. I know nothing of the boat but most of the boats I've seen are at least $1000 and I don't want to spend that on my first canoe. If it matters I'm 5-9 and weigh around 155. Any advice would be appreciated.
Aloha,
Walker
Submitted by walker on Thu, 05/04/2006 - 1:03pm
I think it depends on how much you have to spend. If your last name is "Hilton," go ahead and buy it. But if you're like most of us, spend a little more time looking for a good canoe for your size and weight.
My thinking is that you definitely want a used boat. However, having said that, I'd devote every single dollar I had to spare on a used boat toward the best boat that I could find based on available information. That means taking the time to ask others about their experience (like what you are doing right now) and demo-ing boats through authorized distributors. Its free so why not take advantage of it.
I remember when I was looking for my first canoe. I was so eager to get one that I almost purchased a used Mantra for a pretty good price. Given my size and weight, it would have been huge mistake. I asked a lot of questions, demo'd a lot of boats and with patience, determined that the Hurricane was the best boat for my size and landed one for $900. It was well worth the weight (pun intended).
#1 Thu, 05/04/2006 - 2:06pm
Dont make the mistake that I did, I was so fired up to buy a one-man that I went for a canoe that was too big for me. I could not keep up with any one. So I sold it demo'd several before spending the money to buy a new one. IT was very much worth it. I catch waves better, and the canoe glides something the other one did not. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.
#2 Fri, 05/05/2006 - 4:52pm
I actually respectfully disagree with nalu. Paddling is 95% paddler and 5% kanu. If you're a new paddler and $500 will get you on the water (and the kanu is safe), I'd say pull the trigger. When you've mastered the kanu, your stroke and your training, then do the research to purchase a kanu to match you ability. I see too many people flounder around for months (or years) and never find "the right kanu." What they end up finding is their couch and a lot of excuses.
#3 Sat, 05/06/2006 - 5:01am
The arrow was before my time... so i can comment directly on it--
but a $500 canoe... you're not going to find anything for cheaper than that. If you're not planning on racing for awhile, i'd go ahead and buy it.. you'll have trouble keeping up with anyone on it for awhile, but it's a canoe, and all canoes are fun. Then once you get better and more familiiar with other canoes, you can sell the arrow for probably around what you bought it for and get something new. But i'd get it, just to get into the sport as quickly as possible.
#4 Sat, 05/06/2006 - 9:57am
Luke's 100% correct - being out on the water paddling a slow canoe with your friends, is still a day on the water paddling with your friends. That's worth $500 to me on any day.
#5 Sun, 05/07/2006 - 10:39am
$500.......and it floats? I'll buy it. I could sell it for more.
If I were you I'd be all over that. Any way to get out on the water. Great starter boat. Good volume and great balance. All the needs to start working on technique and balance. Eventually you'll move on to a newer,better, and faster boat.
Times are waisting. I hope you bought by now.
Good Luck!
Aloha
#6 Sun, 05/07/2006 - 7:53pm
The Arrow was Karel's top notch canoe in the late 90's. Technology and extensive research have produced better boats, But if the boat doesn't take on water and the fibergalss is still rather stiff, go outside and paddle.
Do the old blow in the breathing hole test to see if it is air-tight.
I still see a few Arrows on the water on Hawaii Island.
paddlehard
#7 Mon, 05/08/2006 - 5:43pm
I am a really big guy (350+) took up solo paddling 2 months ago with an ocean kayak tandem SOT kayak using this method of exercise because both knees are bad does anyone know what kind of OC1 I might fit into, reading what what you. guys are saying about the Arrow makes me think there is hope for me. Any feedback will be appreciated.
Mahalo,
Sid
#8 Wed, 08/06/2008 - 9:00pm
Hey Sid,
I am a big fella at 290, have paddled a thunder with no problem
Waterline still high and handles well. Thunder came after the Arrow, and made by same OC.
If you continue to do, what youv'e always done,
You'll always be, what you've always been.
#9 Sun, 09/28/2008 - 4:00pm
sid,
the mantra is the the biggest most comfortable oc-1 i can think of. it was made by outrigger connection, but has not been in production for a few years. the next boat i can think of would be the fusion. It is still in production and also a large volume boat. both boats were ahead of their time and influenced the design and concerns of most OC-1 builders. good luck .
#10 Sun, 09/28/2008 - 9:30pm
The Arrow is a fine boat. If it's seaworthy, buy it. It might be worth it to have someone make you a new seat, though.
#11 Sun, 09/28/2008 - 9:39pm
Arrow was before my time too , but for $500. you can
t go wrong , as long as hull isnt soft.Customer service will still be excellent too with OC right there in town.
#12 Mon, 09/29/2008 - 9:29am