[john70t]

The canoe was a family gift you want to utilize to its fullest.
I got that...

But before spending money and time and effort, what is the extent of any possibilities with this particular shell?
It was definitely a great gift but perhaps suited for a different purpose.

Start with what you will be working with:
1). Big man, big big kid, smaller canoe.
If you guys take any extended trips you will want food, water, fire starters, wool blanket, tent, sleeping bags, plastic tarp, first aid, knowing how to and carrying materials to repair fiberglass after a dramatic spill, plus other heavy gear to haul.
(All in waterproof bags and velcro-ed to the boat of course)
Being tired hungry and wet in the dark wilderness sucks.

2). Fiberglass material is lesser to a 17' Grumann thick wall aluminum canoe.
AL will soak up or bounce off the river rocks and can be hammered back and patched more easily with tools available.
Dad and his brothers once wrapped one around a tree.
They jumped on it and continued their journey.

3). Trick out a solid aluminum canoe.
Make attachment points wide and solid and removable.
But use the fiberglass for family day excursions on a glassy lake.