Leanna Tomlinson Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 We have a pond and have just recently installed a dock. I thought it would be fun to buy a paddle boat, but my husband and sons (10& 11) want a canoe. My eldest son (14) says he'd rather buy a kayak. We can only get one right now and I can't decide what to do.:confused: My husband is afraid the paddle boat is the most likely to break, but I thought I could get some exercise using it. I also think it's the one I'm least likely to fall out of.....I am not too excited about SWIMMING in the pond! We also have 4 dd's ages 5,7,17,&18. I thought the little girls would be safer in a paddle boat. The boys want to have a canoe so 3 people can fit in it. They want to learn how to operate a canoe so they can go on the nearby river. My teenager thinks the kayak would be easier to manage and easier to fit in the truck to take down to the river. I did buy two rafts and the younger children can paddle around with those, but the weight limit excludes the teenagers. Any thoughts? Does anyone know if paddle boats are likely to have maintenance problems? Leanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keptwoman Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 If your boys are into woodworking you can get some fabulous plans to build kayaks/canoes for a very small cost and not too much difficulty from Chesapeake Craft. Then you could do both :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamato3 all-boy boys Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 We have a tandem kayak. We take it with us when we go camping. It weights about 65 lbs., so it isn't light, but it also isn't too horrible to transport on the roof of the van. My boys are much younger than yours, but they love going in it with my dh and fishing from it. And, while it isn't the most nibble moving craft on the water, my dh can paddle it all by himself when necessary for some quiet time on the lake. You might consider looking on Craig's list for kayaks and canoes. Also, many places that rent kayaks during the summer months sell off their rentals at the end of the season for very decent prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeathenMom Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 i'm a paddlesport purist...go with the canoe! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 I think the canoe is the most versatile. Paddleboats tend to be unwieldy and slow. Canoes and kayaks are much more maneuverable, though canoes can fit more people/stuff. Kayaks are lighter and therefore the speediest of the three options. I'd go with a canoe as offering the most options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kari C in SC Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 My dh has been thinking about a paddleboat for our small lake behind our house. He likes that it has a canopy for the sun. He also thinks it is much less likely to tip with the kids in it. He has been keeping his eye on the one at Sam's Club, but just can't justify spending the money at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadiegirl Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 We live on a lake and we have 2 kayaks, one canoe(for 2), paddleboat that seats 4 and a small boat called a Bass Buddie that our boys use with a trolling motor for fishing. Honestly, I think it depends on the individuals. We have family/friends that visit often and each person seems to like different modes of transportation. I like the kayaks-check out different styles as we have one that is more open and my Lab rides on it with me vs. the other one you sit down in(less chance of getting wet). We all tend to like the way the kayaks are easier to maneuver vs. the canoe. The paddleboat is fun BUT work! Our younger kids always seems to stick with it and the dogs(both Labs love it) Now, if you are wanting something for fishing and less work-the battery powered trolling motor on the Bass Buddie is so much fun...we all love using it. Fishing or not, it is relaxing and we all use it. Good luck on your choice and have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leanna Tomlinson Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 If your boys are into woodworking you can get some fabulous plans to build kayaks/canoes for a very small cost and not too much difficulty from Chesapeake Craft. Then you could do both :) That is an excellent idea! Thank you!:) ~ Leanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leanna Tomlinson Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 You might consider looking on Craig's list for kayaks and canoes. Also, many places that rent kayaks during the summer months sell off their rentals at the end of the season for very decent prices. I hadn't thought of this. This might be a good option so we can get more than one. We have three canoe rentals near us since we are very close to a river. Thanks, Leanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 The paddleboat is fun BUT work! If you are really set on a paddleboat, Hobie makes a boat that is a sort of combination sailboat/paddleboat. It's sort of a small catamaran with pedals. I forget what they call it, but a breeze wil reduce your work load! I personally would vote for the unlisted other (ie, a sailing dinghy!), but of the choices given I agree that a canoe is the most versatile to start, and then add kayaks as you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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