When it comes to recreational activity, there is no better option than canoeing. It is among the most popular outdoor sports activities. Though it sounds fun, the cost of buying one is a matter of concern. You need to have the right canoe at the right price.
There are various options to find an affordable canoe for a perfect fun-filled activity. The average cost of a fresh canoe is $900. The prices depend on the size, brand, and quality of the canoe range from $650 to $1500. However, a second-hand canoe is a cheaper option that costs $400 on average, but the price can vary from $300 to $550.
With so many options, you might find the perfect one for you and your family as per your preference.
Table of Contents
What Is the Average Cost of A Canoe?
There are many options for you to choose a canoe that is under your budget. You need to go through the different options to find the right one for you.
The average costs of a new and used canoe are still high enough to empty your pocket. To invest $900 and $400 is still a large amount to pay for a canoe. Moreover, higher-quality brands also offer canoes at $1,000. If you are not a professional canoer, you should not buy from the high paid brands.
If you are in the market to purchase a canoe, always try to bargain with the seller. The seller is responsible for the sale price. They will change the price according to the canoe’s state and how eager you are to buy the canoe.
Used Canoe vs. New Canoe
The conditions of the canoe make up the most amounts for the price. Both Used and New canoes are beneficial in their ways, but there are some disadvantages too. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the new and used canoes.
New Canoe
Pros
- In better conditions
- Have not been used before
- Warranty is available
Cons
- Sales Tax
- Higher Prices
- Great Value Loss
Used Canoe
Pros
- Less Cost
- Negotiations possibility
- Less Value depreciation
Cons
- No returns
- Lack of warranty
- Prior damages
Generally, the canoes will be less expensive if they are very old.
32 Models of Canoes with Old and New Prices
Let’s look at these canoes’ models from a different brand and their new and used prices in detail.
1. Mad River – Adventure 14
Among the Top Brand, Mad River’s Adventure 14 is a stable, comfortable, and durable canoe. It also offers cupholders and adjustable seats for an amazing experience.
With 14 feet and 75 lbs, Adventure 14 can hold about three people on its deck. If you are canoeing alone, then this canoe might be difficult for you to load and maneuver. The reason lies in its heavyweight.
The Price for the new canoe is about $770 and for the used canoe is $525. Moreover, the canoe has received 4.8 ratings out of 5.
2. MyCanoe – Origami Folding Canoe
With MyCanoe, you can easily fold it to the store and take it with you anywhere you are traveling. It is well designed and made durable, according to the canoer’s requirements.
MyCanoe is difficult to assemble and found to be flooded easily with water. This canoe can only hold two people.
The price is a little too high than the other canoes. If you like to buy a new canoe, you can purchase it at the cost of $1,600, while the used canoe will cost about $1,290. You must choose your canoe wisely after going through all the specifications. Apart from that, the canoe is rated 4.3 out of 5.
3. Mad River – Explorer 16
With the ease of control and adjustable seats, you can use Explorer 16 even in the rough waters. The canoe is known to be very stable and stiff.
With 14.9 feet and 62lbs, the canoe has the ability to hold about three people. The canoe is not spacious enough and is also slow as compared to the other ones.
The difference between the price of the new and old canoe is wide. You can purchase the new canoe at $2,460 while the used canoe for about $900. Moreover, the rating for this canoe is 4.5 out of 5.
4. Mad River – Adventure 16
You do not need to worry about your tracks in the water; it makes the task of tracking straight. It is durable and has a longer life span. The canoe can hold up to three people. The best feature about Adventure 16 is that it offers a lot of space.
The user has made complaints about the problems they faced while canoeing. It is hard to control the canoe because the trolling motor’s mount is far from the seat. Also, it is not easy to repair the transom when broken.
You can purchase the new canoe for about $880 and the used canoe for about $795. Based on the ratings, Adventure 16 has received 4.7 out of 5.
5. Grumman – Solo 129
The 12 feet and 48 lbs Solo 129 is your best pick when it comes to its lightweight. It is relatively easy to handle and paddle the canoe. Moreover, a canoe offers high stability.
But with some advantages come the disadvantages. It is only available in aluminum, which makes it an expensive canoe on the market. Additionally, it is dangerous to stand in the canoe.
The ratings for this canoe are the best among its peers. It has received 4.9 ratings out of 5. Although the prices are relatively high, it’s a value for money. The new canoe’s cost is about $1,160, and the old canoe is about $1,000.
6. Grumman – Double Ender
There is a reason why Grumman- Double Ender has become so popular among the canoers. With 17 feet and 80 lbs, the Double Ender is one of the strongest canoes on the market. With easy paddling and its ability to provide flotation on each end, the canoe will not sink, making it safe in the water. Moreover, it is easy to hold and move around. It also offers great stability.
The price of this canoe might concern some people to look at their budget. Because of the cost, many people do not wish to purchase this canoe. The price for the new canoe is $1,730 and for the old canoe is about $1,550
The popularity and service are highly valued in the market that it has received 4.8 ratings out of 5.
7. Nova Craft – Prospector 15
If you are new to canoeing, Prospector 15 is your best choice. The easy paddling and maneuver make it easy to handle for beginners. It is also best suited for paddlers as a tripping boat with no extra volume required.
The Prospector 15 is a canoe made in Canada. With 15 feet and 62 lbs, the material of the canoe is made out of fiberglass. In some canoes, the material can be Tuff Stuff, Aramid Lite, or blue steel.
The price will vary with the material and the condition of the canoe. The price of the new canoe is $999, and the used canoe is $780.
8. Old Town – Discovery 119 Solo
The Discovery 119 Solo’s lightweight body makes this brand as one of the best sellers in the market. Though it can hold only one person, you can use it for your personal use. The body strength and the material offer long-lasting stability.
There are two drawbacks to this canoe. One is that it is not very spacious and the seats are not stable. Another is the canoe; it is slow; therefore, you cannot use this canoe in deep water.
If you talk about the price of this canoe, it is relatively less expensive. The price of the new canoe is $880, while the old canoe is $700. In terms of rating, too, it stands out the best. It has received 4.7 ratings out of 5.
9. Sun Dolphin – Scout SS
Sun Dolphin is the best-selling brand for canoes you can find in the market. To maintain its brand value, they offer durable and long-lasting canoe. To increase the speed, Scout SS, the scout stern, provides you with a trolling motor.
Without a motor, you cannot expect this canoe to increase its speed. Users have had certain issues with the advertising of the canoe. That is why it has received a lower rating of 4.4 out of 5.
With high stability and easy control, the canoe is worth a purchase. The prices are quite reasonable. For the new canoe, you have to pay $600, and for the used one, you only pay $400.
10. Sun Dolphin – Mackinaw 15.6
The Mackinaw is known for its ability to offer a lot of space for people and storage in the canoe. If you are interested in recreation and fishing, Mackinaw 15.6 is your best choice. Sun Dolphin provides a very durable and stable canoe in the form of Mackinaw 15.6.
Being a heavy canoe, it becomes difficult to carry, load, and unload the storage. Therefore, it is not recommended for a single-use.
If you think of buying Mackinaw, you can purchase either a new canoe or the used canoe. The new canoe will cost $1,000, while the used canoe will cost $550.
11. Sevylor – Colorado Inflatable
If you are looking for inflatable canoes for yourself, Sevylor is where you have to go to make a purchase. The size of the Colorado Inflatable is equal to that of a kayak. The canoe is backed with a warranty.
Being lightweight, it is easy to load and move. The adjustable seats make this canoe more durable. However, the canoe does not last long and loses its shape after some time.
The new canoe’s price is $520, while for the old and used canoe is about $340. The canoe is not popular among many canoers. It has received 3.5 ratings out of 5.
12. Sevylor – Rio
Rio is a hybrid, which is a kayak, as well as an inflatable canoe. With 9ft and a weight holding capacity of 350, it is designed and beneficial for just one person.
For single fishermen, this small canoe is the best choice. The material out of which is made from is tarpaulin, 18-gauge PVC, and it is also covered with nylon.
If your budget is around $300-$400, then you can easily go this canoe. The new canoe’s cost is $399, while you can also purchase a used canoe at $295. Moreover, it has been rated 4.6 out of 5.
13. Sevylor – Ogden
An inflatable canoe that is in high demand since it is launched in the market. The sturdy and attractive look allows the canoers to buy this inflatable canoe. Among its features of providing fast deflation and inflation, the canoe is very durable.
You cannot use this canoe for a single person as it is very hard to control with high winds. The canoe is lightweight and, therefore, easily gets moved by the wind.
If you want to know the price of this canoe, it offers the lowest price to save money in your pocket. For the new canoe, you pay $350, and for the used canoe, you only pay $260.
14. Old Town – Discovery 158
Discovery 158 is listed among the top canoes in Tripsavvy’s 2019. The features of this canoe are great that makes it one of the most durable and long-lasting canoes. It offers enough space to hold three people, and there is even space left for storage.
The canoe is heavy at 87 lbs, which many users found hard to move around and load. Additionally, some users have received damaged parts when shipped. Therefore, the rating is 4.2 out of 5 for this canoe.
The price is a bit high for this canoe. Old Town offers Discovery 158 for $1,000 for the new one and $680 for the old one.
15. Old Town – Charles River
Old Town is a popular brand known for the high-quality and durability of the canoes. It’s a trusted brand in terms of value and quality.
The Charles River offers various features, including carrying handles, durable three-layer polyethylene, easy paddling, and steadiness. It can hold plenty of gear, which makes it among the most bought canoe by the canoers.
With a carrying capacity of 1,100 lbs, the canoe can hold two people. The canoe is a bit pricey. The new canoe will cost about $1,100, and for the old canoe, it will cost you $650.
16. Old Town – Penobscot 164
A super-fast canoe with high stability, Penobscot 164 offers great value and durability. With this canoe, you can easily do the paddling and track straight smoothly.
The canoe has initially low stability and 75 lbs, and it is heavy enough to make it difficult to carry and load. Also, there have been complaints regarding the loading capacity.
As far as the prices are concerned, the new canoe will cost $1,200, and the used canoe will cost about $900. If you can have the balance, then you can purchase this canoe.
17. Wenonah – Minnesota II
For more than 50 years, Wenonah has been in the business and known for its brand value. In terms of the beautiful design, Minnesota II is your best choice. The canoe can handle overweight and rough water very comfortably. It is made from ultra-light Kevlar, which gives the canoe its beautiful look.
The Minnesota II can hold around four people. The canoe is not able to handle when it gets overfilled. There are chances that it will sink quickly. Moreover, it is difficult to load and maneuver the canoe.
The canoe is quite expensive as compared to the other canoes. You should be careful while investing in this canoe. For the new canoe, you have to pay $2,900, and for the used one, the price is $1,500.
18. Clipper Yukon
If you have just started canoeing, then Clipper Yukon is just made for you. The safety features of the canoe are incredible. The flotation chambers do not allow the canoe to flip. With tractor style seats, the canoe also provides exceptional initial stability.
The canoe is quite heavy, with 70 lbs. Also, you should be careful when you canoe in open waters. It is not very stable, and you are recommended not to stand or kneel in the canoe for your safety.
The Clipper Yukon is also on the expensive side. If you want to buy the new canoe, the cost is about $1,550, and if you want to canoe with the used one, then the cost is about $1,285. The canoe has received 4.2 ratings out of 5.
19. Wenonah – Heron
A great canoe for the family, Heron, can handle a lot of weight. If you plan for leisure activity and day trips, Heron is your best choice as it is very durable and great for beginners.
The 15 feet, Heron, is small and gets easily moved by the wind. It lacks stability and control. Additionally, many canoers find it tiring to paddle over the long distance.
Wenonah has the highest brand quality, and therefore, the prices are quite high. You will pay $2,500 for the new canoe and $2,100 for the old one. The rating for this particular canoe is 3.3 out of 5.
20. Wenonah – King Fisher
Another member of the family of Wenonah, King Fisher, is among the most recommended one. If you are interested in fishing, you can purchase this canoe for an amazing experience. Apart from this, the canoe is very rigid and lightweight.
Although it offers to provide quite a good space, it cannot hold more than two people. Also, when it gets heavy, there are chances it might sink. Moreover, it is quite slow, unlike the others.
If you want to know the prices, you have bought the new canoe for about $2,700 and the used canoe $1,500. Based on the ratings, it has received 4.4 out of 5.
21. Lifetime – Emotion Wasatch
Emotion Wasatch is your perfect canoe as it can protect you from any rough conditions. Apart from stability, the canoe is UV rays protected and impact resistant. The canoe takes safety as its top priority.
If you want your canoe to travel fast, you have the facility to attach a motor to the canoe. With 13 feet, it can hold three people comfortably.
It is not expensive and can cause a burden on your wallet. It is a smart investment. The price for the new Canoe is $6099, while for the used canoe is $575. It has been given an outstanding rating of 4.8 out of 5.
22. Lifetime – Kodiak
Lifetime canoes are very durable and comfortable. Kodiak also provides you with exceptional stability. Moreover, it is easy to maneuver and load with the help of handles. The canoe comes with great storage and cup holders.
The canoe is about 96 lbs, which makes this a heavy one. You won’t be able to carry the canoe around easily.
The price is relatively low. The price of the new canoe is $700, and the used canoe is $430.
23. Pelican – Explorer 14.6 Deluxe
A great fit for the family, the Explorer 14.6 Deluxe provides you with enough space to hop up to four people. With great durability and stability, the canoe offers an inbuilt cooler, carrying handles, cup holders, and comfortable folding seats.
Although the length is shorter with 14.6 ft, the canoe is heavy with 90 lbs weight. That makes it heavy and hard to maneuver. Also, according to other canoers, it is difficult to paddle with this canoe.
The Explorer 14.6 Deluxe comes at affordable prices. You can purchase the new canoe at $550 and the old canoe at $350. Moreover, it has received 4.6 ratings out of the total of 5.
24. Pelican – 15.5
Pelican canoes are widely known for their material and body strength of the canoe. Pelican 15.5 provides you with straight tracks and offers stability. Moreover, the canoe comes with molded bench seats and cup holders, which provide durability.
Despite the durability, the canoe is not expected to last long. Also, it can be difficult for the canoers to control the canoe on rough water. Sometimes, the seats are easily cracked.
You can purchase the 15.5 canoes at affordable prices. The price of the new canoe is $650, and the used canoe is $400. However, it has the ratings of 4.1 out of 5.
25. NorthStar – B 17
A well-equipped and sturdy canoe, B17 is perfect with the weighing capacity of three people. The used canoe is a good option to purchase because it is more durable than the new one. Also, you will save a thousand dollars altogether.
The B 17 canoe is a great pick for long trips as it can hold plenty of gears. Although the prices are a bit higher, it is worth spending on this canoe.
To buy the new canoe, you will pay $2,800, and for the used one, you will pay $1,800. Also, out of 5, the canoe has received 4.1 ratings.
26. NorthStar – Firebird
With the NorthStar brand, you are guaranteed to receive well-made and high-end canoes. This canoe is small at 13.6 ft but is more durable as it can crave the water easily.
The Firebird provides you with comfortable navigation through the flatwater and whitewater. However, only one person can use the canoe at a time.
NorthStar is an expensive brand, so you must expect higher prices. For the new canoe, you will pay $2,898, and for the used canoe, you will pay $2,000.
27. Lincoln – Concord
With 16.6 ft and 40 lbs, Concord is among the most lightweight and long canoes in Lincoln. If you are planning weekend trips, this canoe is your ideal choice. The canoe offers a fast pace in the water. Moreover, the canoe is easy to control, even in rough waters.
If you find this canoe, according to your liking, you should make a purchase. The new Concord price is $1,600, while for the used Concord, it is $800.
28. Lincoln – Hidden Pond
Lincoln has been in the canoeing business for a long time now and is well-known for its beautiful designs. The Hidden pond offers various specs, including stability, can handle overweight and tracks straight. Moreover, you can even take your dog with you on this canoe.
Due to its small size, the Hidden Pond lacks durability. Also, it has low initial stability.
In terms of pricing, the new canoe will cost you $2,400, and the used canoe will cost you $930. Out of 5, the canoe has 4.7 ratings.
29. Coleman – 17’
The canoes are great when it comes to Coleman. You are expected to find the canoes extremely durable. This one is an old product of the brand.
The canoe is 17 ft in length with a carrying capacity of 650 lbs. Three people can sit inside the canoe comfortably. You should give it a try if you want to have an amazing recreation and leisure experience.
In terms of pricing, they are reasonable. For the new canoe, you pay $850, and for the used one, you pay just $375.
30. Clipper Tripper
The Clipper Tripper is great for long weekend trips as it can carry a maximum of three people. The canoe is also full of space so that people can sit comfortably.
For a smooth and stable ride, the canoe comes with a shallow arch hull. For a more comfortable and pleasurable experience, it is equipped with low-slung seats and foot braces.
You can choose to purchase this canoe for $1,589 for the new and $1,138 for the used canoe.
31. Souris River – Prospector 16
Prospector 16 offers durability in its material. It is also great to run in open waters and rivers. Moreover, being lightweight, you can easily carry it around.
As for the prices, you can buy a new canoe at $2,745 and a used canoe at $1,999.
32. Souris River – Quetico 17
For more than 30 years, Souris River has been the best seller of canoes. With total sales of 60 percent, Quetico 17 is their most famous canoe.
You can use this canoe for many reasons. It doesn’t matter if you are going on a day trip or just fishing. Quetico 17 will provide you with an ultimate comforting experience. Also, it is easy to move and carry due to its lightweight.
You may find the price more expensive than any other canoe. You have to pay a huge amount of $3,145 for the new canoe and $2,500 for the old one.
How Does the Material Affect the Cost of a Canoe?
The cost of the canoe depends hugely on the material. Some are made from high-quality material while some are from different unique materials, increasing cost. The low or moderate quality material will decrease the cost of the canoe.
It is up to you to decide what holds more importance: Cost or Quality?
Let’s check out how different materials can cause a change in the cost of the canoe.
Polyethylene and Rot-Molded
Rotational molding or Rot-Molded is a process wherein the heated mold, the plastic powder is put down and rotated in such a way to melt and move it inside the mold.
Polyethylene is another form of plastic. It is made by polymerizing ethylene. The canoes made with these materials are cheap and durable and are sold in the market even today. Moreover, the three layers of plastic do not make the canoe rigid. They do not need regular maintenance.
You can negotiate with your seller, who makes the canoe with these materials as they can be mass-produced and require fewer resources.
Wood
Originally, the canoes were made of wood. It used to take a huge amount of work and time to collect the wood strip from different trees to make the canoes.
With time the popularity of making wood has decreased due to more efficient methods. Now, the wood canoes are handcrafted and custom made on requests. Also, they are expensive.
Wooden canoes are beautiful but heavy. You cannot easily handle the weight of the canoe.
Kevlar
Kevlar is also used to make bulletproof vests. They are generally lighter than other canoes. Moreover, Kevlar canoes are known to be the fastest canoes in the water.
They can be used alone or mixed with other materials to provide durability to the canoe. You can buy Kevlar canoes with a skin coat or gel coat. As compared to fiberglass, Kevlar is stronger and also lighter. Together with these features, these canoes are a bit expensive.
Royalex
Royalex is among the most popular materials used for making canoes. It is made of vinyl, hard form, and plastic. Also, as compared to polyethylene, Royalex is lighter and cheaper.
Royalex canoes are exceptionally durable. Because of that, these canoes can be used in white waters comfortably. It is easy to repair the Royalex canoes. However, they are heavier than fiberglass and plastic canoes.
Royalex canoes are no longer manufactured in the market anymore. Therefore, the price for the few being left out will go higher than before.
Aluminum
Like wood, aluminum was also among the popular materials for making canoes. With time, the popularity declined. The major challenge was in the making of aluminum canoes. They have to be sleek, and the curves were difficult to shape.
Aluminum canoes require no or less maintenance, and also, they are protected from the UV rays.
The disadvantage of having an aluminum canoe is that they are heavy and slow in the water. Also, the material will get stuck to the rocks in the river and make it hard to move the canoe.
Carbon and Graphite
The canoes made from carbon and graphite are lightweight and stiff, meaning more maneuver and acceleration. They are generally used for touring and fishing. In terms of cost, they are reasonable.
Thermoform
Thermoform canoes are lightweight, and unlike any other regular plastic, they are stronger. Therefore, canoes are another form of plastic; they are not suited for rocks in cold water as they will crack easily.
These canoes are generally made for recreation and leisure purposes.
Fiberglass Composites
To create a shape, fiberglass cloth is combined with resins. They are often made by manually applying layers inside the mold.
Fiberglass composites are lightweight and fast because of the stiffness. They require very little maintenance and are easy to repair. Most of the canoes made from fiberglass composites are available at affordable prices.
Inflatable
Inflatable canoes are not popular among the canoers because they are smaller in size. Because they offer inflation and deflation, they are easier to travel with. Also, they are more reasonable than other canoes.
In inflating and deflating canoes, it requires 10 minutes to fill the air with a pump. You must take care of how much air is being pumped in the canoe for safety reasons. Also, inflatable canoes are not rigid. As they are inexpensive, they will affect their quality and durability.
Tuff Stuff
Nova Crafts uses Tuff Stuff exclusively. It is made from a different type of basalt cloth and then covered in vinyl ester resin. Shortly, it can replace Royalex.
Tuff Stuff is known for its resilient, fast, and durable features. They provide high efficiency in terms of performance and are stiffer and lighter than the other plastic canoes.
Before purchasing the right canoe for you and your family, make a list of things you want in your canoe.
Several brands offer you canoes in various sizes and types. You must remember what is best for you. Take as much information as you want to choose the best.
