[intakexhaust]

We had a quite a few and were wonderful vessels when living on a lake. After all the motorboating wild weekenders would leave, the early mornings or evenings were the best. Could sneak into channel coves for some great fishing. Would also take our 80lbs lab with. No biggie but some things to consider.

Should go for a 17'. The fiberglass ones are heavy but quiet, poor for rock running but easy to patch repair. The aluminum are light but noisy. You can bang them up and will take a beating. These are the ones to have if camping and where lots of portage. I've used this type in the BWCA (Boundry Waters Canoe Area - MN / Can.).

Canoes are really for two and to balance it out, bow for power, stern for steer and power. If going solo you'll need a center seat to raise off the floor / bottom. Dual paddle is fine, but I prefer a single.

A stern back might work well for solo and if you want to motorize. Could go with a trolling gas or electric. Some are using electric weedeater conversions. If you travel with it and drop in a lake, you might have to verify motorized restrictions. Some areas don't even allow a little electric troller.

But for stability and fishing or in the low draft, do consider a jon boat. We've had some smaller ones and great for kids out with their friends. A 2 or 3 hp motor, short shaft motor is the way to go. Virtually no maintenence and take some banging around. Personally, I'll take a canoe over a jon boat in the choppy waters. I'm just used to them. BTW: All modern canoes float if turned over and can be inverted back in the high water. Please do wear a PFD!