Canoes / kayaks - family recommendations?

[Paul_B]

I think we'll probably hire a canoe one day. It's annoying really but we're getting the van done to get out more but it limits what we can do.

The most expensive roof brand allows 40kg total roof load including bars. The one we're getting is in our budget but only 30kg total weight. If you're talking a kayak each plus paddles you're going overweight.

We're going to get a fiamma rack for the bikes so at least we've got outdoor activity choices.

 

[Zookeepa]

No worries. Glad you got a plan sorted. We were looking at doing the same this year, but my health and DVLA can't agree on whether I can have my driving licence back so still on hold.

Happy travels

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Janne]

Check out Thule, they should have a roof rack system that can take more than 40 kg.

What is the max load for the roof of the vehicle?

 

[plastic-ninja]

Hi Paul.
You’re in Cumbria aren’t you?
I have a big ( maybe a bit too big! ) Grumman Canadian ally canoe which I’ll soon be putting back into Windermere.
You can borrow it if you like. It’s not for sale at the moment but it’s not had enough use in the last few years.
It’s a lot of fun but needs at least two paddling to make it go anywhere much.
Cheers, Simon

 

[Janne]

I had one of those. Fantastic speed machine ( compared to GRP or injection moulded plastic.)

I recommend you take up PN offer, it will convert you to that design and make!

 

[Paul_B]

Check out Thule, they should have a roof rack system that can take more than 40 kg.

What is the max load for the roof of the vehicle?

With the poptop roof conversion it's 30kg or 40kg.
http://drivelodge.co.uk/elevated-roofs

Like the trafic version but SWB and new model. They're still developing it for the swb trafic/vivaro.

I've seen the delica version and it's very small. The van ones are a lot bigger. The LR90 version will be small too. Probably better to buy a rooftop tent instead. Well made roofs at 2k less than sca or reimo brands

 

[Paul_B]

Hi Paul.
You’re in Cumbria aren’t you?
I have a big ( maybe a bit too big! ) Grumman Canadian ally canoe which I’ll soon be putting back into Windermere.
You can borrow it if you like. It’s not for sale at the moment but it’s not had enough use in the last few years.
It’s a lot of fun but needs at least two paddling to make it go anywhere much.
Cheers, Simon

Thanks for the offer. Definitely a rain check on that offer. I live north Lancashire but Cumbria is my spiritual home. I certainly know it better than where I live.

Used to do beginners trips as a 12 yo from NT site fell foot.a good launch spot

 

[Janne]

Aha, limitation of the roof.
Inflatable canoe.

 

[Paul_B]

I think you're right. Or a folding canoe. Can't remember the details but iirc there's a brand that is a folding but rigid boat.

 

[oldtimer]

That's why I have an inflatable. My van has an extending roof, hence no roof rack. I also have no place to store a canoe, so mine lives permanently in the van. This means I can use it on a whim throughout The UK or as I meander down through France.

Although it is a compromise solution and does nothing very well, it suits my river, lake and inshore jaunts and the grandchildren love it.

 

[plastic-ninja]

Thanks for the offer. Definitely a rain check on that offer. I live north Lancashire but Cumbria is my spiritual home. I certainly know it better than where I live.

Used to do beginners trips as a 12 yo from NT site fell foot.a good launch spot

have launched there’s few times myself. Not the same now it’s been landscaped though!
Drop me a message sometime & come & have a paddle. I’ll be putting it back by the lake after Easter.
Cheers, Simon

 

[Janne]

You have a brand called Klepper. Used by the Swedish coastal rangers in the past, before they switched to more modern, custom made design.

Klepper is still one of the best though I believe. You buy it for life.

https://klepper.de/en

 

[Chainsaw]

Ally canoes get a good rep https://www.bergans.com/en/gear/ally-canoe

 

[Paul_B]

Any views on you, Nova craft and enigma canoes?

 

[plastic-ninja]

Grumman Aluminium canoes are great to carry.
Was much lighter than the Coleman we bought after the Grumman was nicked.

Another plus was that is was fast. Nothing is more tiring and boring than a slow canoe.

I love my Grumman, although it hasn’t been on the lake this year as I’ve changed cars & haven’t got a roof rack for it yet.
It is very light & very quick, but as above, now very attractive to thieves, even just for scrap!
If you can find one at a good price jump on it.