For the canoe guys - a serious fishing canoe

JeffreyMcGovern · **Posted:** Wed Jul 04, 2012 11:15 pm

This is my old Grumman. Truth is long after almost any plastic kayak is just shot this aluminum canoe will still be on the water. I got it back in the mid 1990s at Pier 17 Marine in the Jacksonville area. Frankly it served me well and I wonder sometimes how I graduated into kayaks. She weighs in at an honest 50lbs so it's lighter than most kayaks and rated for nearly 600lbs so it holds more too. I've got eveything from wheels to stabiilizers for it and all in great shape. My kids grew up in this little boat. Although over shadowed by almost every other paddle craft out there today at one time Grumman canoes ruled. They were everywhere in all waters. Even today the old utility feel and rugged construction are still pretty cool. I've got no plans to ever get rid of this boat. With minimal care it should last for many more generations. My father has one of the Sport Canoe models that is a mid 1960's boat and it's still in fantastic condition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ggpu6ubkg&feature=plcp

http://www.jeffstacklebox.com

internetpilot · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:19 am

Looks like a great canoe! Love the floor and the light weight! I would definitely hold on to that one --that's something to pass on the next generation(s).

I went a cheaper, heavier route, mostly because these older canoes don't have three seats (or weight capacity) for me and my two sons. I was thinking that I would switch to a kayak once my sons lose interest or just for fishing by myself, but now I don't know -- I'm really liking the canoe fishing thing, and finding it very difficult to justify 4x, 6x, even 8x the price to get a rigged kayak that offers me what I already have with my currently rigged canoe.

Outriggers/stabilizers are a huge plus when fishing from a canoe. I originally made/installed them so my sons would feel safer, but being able to easily stand up (6'3", 240lbs) in such a small craft is great.

Hey, if you do ever want to get rid of that ancient piece of garbage, I could be persuaded to take it off your hands! :lol:

Jizzo · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:51 am

You're right about the aluminum canoe. I started fishing from a fiberglass 16' Mohawk canoe. I have repaired cracks and leaks so many times that I don't feel comforatable taking my family out in it. My Grandfather has had the same aluminum flat back canoe that I learned to paddle in since before I was born. I love that thing and I've been keeping my eye out for a used one that I can afford. I love the kayak when its just me but when I go camping with my girls a canoe is perfect for the three of us and an aluminum canoe will last a lifetime.

BTW, an aluminum canoe can cast as much as a kayak...

JeffreyMcGovern · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:14 pm

Here is the link to my boat on Grumman canoes home page. Aluminum is not cheap but they are a lifetime purchase

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http://www.marathonboat.com/doubleend-13.asp

http://www.jeffstacklebox.com

Jizzo · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 2:01 pm

I "want" the 16' square stern... $1265 :puke:

YIKES!
I can use my #50 thrust trolling motor on the square stern.
I've been waiting to find a nice used one for $500 or so.

internetpilot · **Posted:** Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:30 pm

Jizzo wrote:

I "want" the 16' square stern... $1265 :puke:

YIKES!
I can use my #50 thrust trolling motor on the square stern.
I've been waiting to find a nice used one for $500 or so.

Yikes, indeed! My $350 Coleman square stern is handling my 54# trolling motor just fine. At $350, it's practically disposable, but the RAM-X hull is holding up just fine so I don't see disposing of it any time soon.

Still, I wouldn't pass up a good deal for a Grumman on Craigslist, garage sale, or something!

5loaves2fish · **Joined:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:29 pm **Posts:** 12

I just got into fishing from the water when my brother and I took a Kayak fishing charter last month. I was hooked and went looking for a way to get into it with little expense and that would allow my 4 year old son to safely go with me since he is my favorite fishing buddy. I found a 14' Mad River Canoe on Craigslist for $325 that came with paddles, anchor and a cart. I bought it and did all of the out rigging with my brother. I do not think I have missed a weekend on the water yet.

internetpilot · **Posted:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:14 pm

Nice canoe! You have it rigged nicely!

5loaves2fish · **Joined:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:29 pm **Posts:** 12

internetpilot wrote:

Nice canoe! You have it rigged nicely!

Thanks. It's been a lot of fun working on it and getting into a different kind of fishing. Love building memories with family and friends doing this awesome recreation.

JeffreyMcGovern · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:50 am

Nice job on that poly canoe! The poly boats look so much sleeker than the Grumman's rivets and sheets of aluminum. Noise is far less too. Glad you found a way to hit the water. Paddle craft fishing is a blast :cheers: