Are you considering buying a canoe, but are unsure if a 17-foot canoe is the right size for you? Before making your purchase, its important to understand the benefits, what to consider, and the advantages and disadvantages of a 17-foot canoe.
In this article, we will provide answers to all your questions and provide helpful tips on how to transport your canoe, as well as what accessories you may need.
Read on to learn more about whether a 17-foot canoe is the right choice for you!
Short Answer
It depends on how you plan to use the canoe.
If you plan to paddle in calm, flat waters with one or two people, a 17 foot canoe would be fine.
However, if you plan to paddle in choppier waters with more people, a shorter canoe may be more maneuverable and easier to handle.
Additionally, a shorter canoe might be easier to transport and store.
The Benefits of a 17-Foot Canoe
A 17-foot canoe is a great choice for those looking to venture out on longer trips and have plenty of room for supplies and passengers.
The length of a canoe is one of the most important factors when selecting a boat for your needs.
A longer boat offers more stability, capacity and power.
With a 17-foot canoe, you can easily bring along a couple of friends and still have plenty of room for coolers, camping gear and other supplies.
In addition to the extra space, a 17-foot canoe also offers superior tracking, which is the ability to maintain a straight-line course.
This is especially important for long-distance trips.
The increased length and hull design of a 17-foot canoe make it easier to maintain a course, even in windy conditions.
This helps reduce fatigue and makes it easier to paddle for extended periods of time.
Utilizing a longer boat can also give you an advantage in shallow water.
Longer canoes have a shallower draft, meaning they dont have to be as deep in the water to float.
This makes them ideal for navigating shallow rivers and creeks.
With a 17-foot canoe, you can easily explore waterways that other boats simply cant access.
Finally, a 17-foot canoe is an excellent choice for solo paddlers who need a little extra capacity.
When paddling alone, you can take all your gear without the need for an extra person.
You can also take advantage of the extra length and power to cover greater distances in less time.
In conclusion, a 17-foot canoe is a great choice for those looking for a bigger boat for longer trips, with plenty of room for supplies and passengers.
While it may be more challenging to maneuver and transport, the benefits of a 17-foot canoe far outweigh the drawbacks.
Consider your needs and skill level before deciding if a 17-foot canoe is the right size for you.
What to Consider When Choosing a Canoe
When it comes to choosing the right canoe for your needs, there are several factors to consider.
The size of the canoe is just one of them.
A 17-foot canoe is a great choice for those looking for a bigger boat for longer trips, with plenty of room for supplies and passengers.
However, larger canoes can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and more challenging to transport on top of a car.
Before deciding if a 17-foot canoe is the right size for you, consider the following:
1. Your skill level: Larger canoes require more skill and experience to maneuver, so if youre just starting out, you may want to opt for a smaller model.
2. The number of travelers: A larger canoe can accommodate more people, so if you plan on taking multiple passengers, a 17-foot canoe is a great option.
3. Your destination: If youre looking to explore larger bodies of water, and you dont plan on navigating through tight spaces, a large canoe will be the most comfortable and efficient option.
4. Storage: Make sure you have enough room to store the canoe before you purchase. A larger canoe might not fit in your garage or shed, so you may have to look for other storage options.
5. Transportation: Larger canoes are more difficult to transport on top of a car, so make sure you have a vehicle with a large enough roof rack, or consider a trailer for transporting.
If youve considered all of the above factors and your needs and skill level match up with a 17-foot canoe, then its a great choice for your next adventure.
A larger canoe can provide a more stable ride, plenty of storage room, and comfortable seating for multiple passengers.
Just make sure you have the right vehicle and storage space for it.
Advantages of a 17-Foot Canoe
A 17-foot canoe offers a number of advantages to those looking for more space and stability on the water.
With its large size and capacity, it is perfect for camping trips and long-distance paddles.
The extra length also provides increased stability and tracking in the water, making it easier to stay on course and maneuver in choppy conditions.
The extra space also allows for more passengers and supplies, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Additionally, this size canoe is perfect for those with growing families or those who want to bring along their dogs, fishing gear, and other equipment.
Disadvantages of a 17-Foot Canoe
When it comes to canoes, size matters.
A 17-foot canoe is a great choice for those looking for a bigger boat for longer trips, with plenty of room for supplies and passengers.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider before deciding if a 17-foot canoe is the right size for you.
The biggest disadvantage of a 17-foot canoe is that it can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
The longer length of the canoe will make it more challenging to navigate into small creeks or lake areas.
This is especially true if you are a beginner or novice paddler.
Another disadvantage is that a 17-foot canoe can be more difficult to transport on top of a car.
This is because the size and weight of the canoe can make it difficult to attach securely to the vehicle.
If you are planning to transport your canoe a long distance, you may find that a smaller boat would be easier to manage.
Finally, a 17-foot canoe can be more challenging to store.
If you dont have a large garage or shed, you may find that a smaller boat is easier to tuck away.
Additionally, larger canoes can be more expensive to buy than their smaller counterparts.
When deciding if a 17-foot canoe is the right size for you, consider your needs and skill level.
While a 17-foot canoe offers plenty of room for supplies and passengers, it can be more challenging to maneuver and transport.
Take the time to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.
Who Should Consider a 17-Foot Canoe
When it comes to canoes, size matters.
A 17-foot canoe is a great option for those looking for some extra room and stability on the water.
This size canoe is perfect for those who plan to take longer trips, with lots of passengers and supplies.
It is also great for fishermen and hunters, who need the extra space for all their gear.
The 17-foot canoe is also perfect for those who want the extra stability and spaciousness on larger bodies of water.
In addition to the extra space and stability, a 17-foot canoe is ideal for those who are experienced paddlers.
The extra length of the canoe allows for a smoother ride and better tracking on the water.
The longer length also helps with speed and maneuverability.
This is especially important in tight spaces or in windy conditions.
Experienced paddlers will be able to take advantage of these features and enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride.
Finally, those who are looking for a boat to transport easily should consider a 17-foot canoe.
The longer length of the canoe makes it easier to transport on top of a car.
This is especially useful for those who plan on taking multiple trips in their canoe.
The extra length also makes it easier to maneuver in and out of tight spaces and around obstacles.
In conclusion, a 17-foot canoe is a great choice for those looking for a bigger boat for longer trips, with plenty of room for supplies and passengers.
However, larger canoes can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and more challenging to transport on top of a car.
Consider your needs and skill level before deciding if a 17-foot canoe is the right size for you.
How to Transport a 17-Foot Canoe
Transporting a 17-foot canoe can be a challenge, but there are several options available.
The most popular is to use a trailer, which can be attached to the back of your car, truck, or SUV.
This is the best choice for longer trips, as it will provide the most stability and allow you to carry more supplies and passengers.
For shorter trips, you can also use a set of racks for your car or truck.
These are usually mounted on the roof and will allow you to carry a single canoe.
This is a great option for those who want to be able to transport their canoe quickly and easily, without a trailer.
If you don’t have access to a vehicle, you can also use a canoe dolly to transport your canoe.
This is a wheeled platform that can be pulled behind you, allowing you to move your canoe over short distances.
It’s important to be mindful of weight when using a canoe dolly, as it may not be able to support the full weight of a 17-foot canoe.
Finally, for those who are experienced and confident in their canoeing skills, you can also carry your canoe on your back.
This is the most difficult option, but it can be done with the right technique.
Make sure that you have a good set of shoulder straps and a supportive backboard to help distribute the weight.
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to be aware of the size and weight of your canoe before you transport it.
It’s also important to consider your skill level, as larger canoes can be more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces or on rough terrain.
With the right preparation and technique, you can transport a 17-foot canoe safely and securely.
Necessary Accessories for a 17-Foot Canoe
When considering the purchase of a 17-foot canoe, its important to factor in the necessary accessories youll need in order to use it safely and efficiently.
First and foremost, youll need a quality paddle thats designed for a canoe of this size.
Canoe paddles are typically longer than regular paddles, so youll need to make sure youre purchasing the correct length.
Additionally, its important to invest in a life jacket thats designed to fit your body type and size.
Its also a good idea to purchase a whistle, a first-aid kit, and flares for emergency situations.
If you plan on transporting your 17-foot canoe with a vehicle, youll need to purchase a quality roof rack with strong straps to secure the canoe in place.
Additionally, its important to invest in a canoe cart with large, durable wheels so you can easily move the canoe from the parking lot to the water.
Lastly, youll need to purchase a waterproof bag to keep your supplies and valuables dry.
Final Thoughts
A 17-foot canoe is a great choice for those looking for a bigger boat for longer trips, with plenty of room for supplies and passengers.
Consider the type of waters you’ll be paddling, your skill level, and your transportation needs before deciding if a 17-foot canoe is the right size for you.
If you decide that a 17-foot canoe is the right choice, make sure you have the necessary accessories on hand and a plan to transport it safely.
With the right preparation, a 17-foot canoe can be an ideal option for your next boating adventure.