Small and light with pointed ends and narrow bodies, canoes are propelled using single-bladed paddles, with more than one paddler allowed depending on how many people a canoe can fit. Some are also designed for use in sailing so they feature rigs for sails. Since they are relatively small, canoes are used in smaller bodies of water like rivers and lakes.
Construction
At first glance, be it flat stern canoes, touring canoes, or any other kind, it may seem that a canoe is identical on both ends. However, each end is constructed differently, each end serving a different purpose. The bow or the front part features an entry line which allows the boat to slice through the water, while the stern, the back part, has room for a flotation compartment. Seats are placed on both ends to allow steering from both ends.
Kinds of canoes
Touring canoes are made for lakes and flat waters, using more traditional designs to emphasize on stability and comfort. Also called as tripping or recreational canoes, touring canoes come in two types, one with a symmetrical hull and arched body and the other with a cockpit, lower gunwale lines, a rounded hull, and higher rims.
Used for taking on whitewater rapids, whitewater canoes are made from tough synthetic materials like polyethylene, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, helping them withstand impact with rocks and aggressive paddling. Most models also have internal lashing points for keeping harnesses, flotation bags, and spray decks secured.
Flat stern canoes, or square stern canoes, feature asymmetrical, flat, squared-off sterns meant for holding outboard motors. Because of their construction, flat stern canoes are commonly used for paddling on lakes or fishing.
As for sprint or racing canoes, they are used for fast paddling and racing on flat waters. They are long and narrow which reduces drag to increase boat speed. However, their shape makes them highly unstable.
As for inflatables, they are ideal for rough whitewaters since they are very light but they are not ideal for flat waters.
See Also : Color GPS Fishfinder Fishfinder Accessories Humminbird GPS Fishfinder Best Pencam Digital Photography Lowrance Marine Eelectronics