My NEXT Canoe
Since the age of ten I have been paddling canoes. When I gained a few coins in my pockets, I purchased a few “real” boats with motors. Then I sold those noisy and messy things and continued to paddle in peace. After all these years I think I finally found my last canoe. My NEXT Canoe may be my last canoe.
Last month while at REI to purchase a replacement clip for my roof rack, I saw a NEXT canoe hanging from the ceiling. Before I knew what had happened, the bright lemongrass colored boat was tied up on the roof of the truck.
The NEXT Canoe is a 13′ solo canoe with a kayak seat and foot braces. It has the room to carry plenty of fishing gear or duck decoys without feeling cramped like with a kayak. But at the same time it maneuvers like a kayak with the lower seat and foot braces.
Specs:
- Length: 13’
- Width: 28’’
- Material: 3-Layer Polyethylene
- Hull Weight: 53 lbs
- Seat specs: 21’’ / 6 lbs
- Boat Capacity: 450 lbs
Key Features:
- An open hull design which offers the storage of a canoe, yet maintains the maneuverability of a kayak.
- A low profile which allows for easy paddling with both a single-bladed and double-bladed paddle.
- Removable Element™ seating system that will make sure you remain comfortable on long trips.
- Adjustable foot braces for added support
- Light weight, making it perfect for solo trips.
So far I’ve taken the boat out for a few Monocacy River floats either fishing or sight-seeing and one float in deer hunt. The first couple of things I noticed was how easy the boat maneuvered, how efficiently it paddled, and the comfort of the Element™ seating system.
After 40 some years of fishing and hunting out of canoes and kayaks, I think I finally found the perfect solo boat. I realize that Old Town was attempting to make a big splash with the new super bright colors, but from a hunter’s stand point, the colors don’t work for me. Shortly before duck season opens, I’ll be out there with a few cans of spray paint expressing my inner artist with a little camo.
