Canoe or small boat?

[JBplusThuy]

Like the title says, I'm kicking around the idea of getting either a canoe or a small boat such as a Bass Baby or Pelican Raider.

Things that make me lean towards a canoe is that they are lighter and easier to car-top, which is important because I would be using it alone, mostly. It's also somewhat cheaper, but that's a lesser consideration to ease of use.  I've seen videos of canoes with even just a 30 pound motor and they can really move.

Pluses for the small boat are more room, stability, more room, built-in storage and live well, wiring harness, etc. If I had a truck I would almost certainly go for the small boat, even though I'd probably need a 55 pound motor and two batteries. But I don't imagine the chancellor of the exchequer signing off on spending thousands on a used truck (would probably need to be a 4-door) just because I bought an $800 boat LOL.

So, if you've wrestled with this decision, what did you decide and why?

Thanks!

Jonathan

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I'm a traditionalist - my vote is for canoe. It is more portable and "fits" the intended use and locale better.

They can be outfitted in surprising ways to be both effective angling platforms and somewhat comfy, too. Google "fishing + canoe" and see what I mean. Stability is a concern, though, particularly if you are not accustomed to them or rusty. Take it slow at first

I grew up in a canoe and would like to have another one. The canoe Derrick mentions is interesting. Whatever you do, get some kind of lumbar-support seating. Canoes are cramped and something for the back is nice to have.

[Jim Gronaw]

For the past 2 seasons, I have been launching a 11 ft kayak I got from Dicks and it is light enough to throw on top of just about any vehicle, is more stable, to me, than a canoe, and I can go places where larger craft simply can't. If you have small waters and creeks in your region, you might want to give them a thought...