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Post by mitchell on Jun 21, 2006 15:26:55 GMT -5
I am currently looking at buying an Esquif Canyon. Does anyone know of anybody who has one? I've been doing lots of reading on them but I personaly don't know of anyone who owns one. There seems to be be only 2 dealers in New Brunswick. The one on the kedgwick is more than helpful and has offered me to come and try each of their esquifs for free. Any first hand knowledge would be greatly appreciated though.
Mitchell
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Brian
Lily dipper
Posts: 7
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Post by Brian on Jun 22, 2006 7:51:36 GMT -5
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Post by mitchell on Jun 22, 2006 15:16:52 GMT -5
Brian,
Yeah I've already come across that review but thanks anyway. I've done quite a bit of research on the net and read a few reviews but it would be nice to talk to someone who has one. The canyon is running about $1600 plus tax here in NB. Although the outfit on the Kedgwick is selling a couple of used prospecteurs that retail $1600 as well for around a $1000. So I'm hoping they may be selling one their canyons for around this price.
Mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Jun 23, 2006 16:32:27 GMT -5
Just came across an interesting article that said the next esquif canoe will the named the Miramichi. Being from here and all, it would be kind of cool to own the first Miramichi boat. But I'll probably still settle on the canyon anyway.
Mitchell
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Post by Ken Corbett on Jun 23, 2006 19:20:26 GMT -5
Mitchell, the Canyon weighs 74 lbs. You don't mind a heavy boat? I suspect you'll be using it for tandem. It should carry lots of beer.
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Post by mitchell on Jun 24, 2006 6:27:21 GMT -5
Yes I did know it weighed 74lbs. Not too much of an issue as my current boat weighs 85 lbs and I don't find it too heavy. I plan on using this boat or whichever one I decide for tandem mostly and for carrying plenty of beer. Hopefully if all goes well, I would like to buy a smaller solo boat next year.
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Post by Ken Corbett on Jun 26, 2006 9:22:50 GMT -5
Yeah Mitchell, sounds good. You might want to choose a lighter boat for solo paddling, I hate to say it but my boats all seem a lot heavier now than when I bought them some 25 years ago. Why is that?
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Brian
Lily dipper
Posts: 7
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Post by Brian on Jun 26, 2006 9:58:06 GMT -5
I think it has to due with the high mineral content in New Brunswick rivers and the polarity of the hull of a canoe! This causes the minerals to be attracted to the hull and the minerals build up an invisible layer over the years cuasing the boat to get heavier over time!
Cheers,
Brian
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Bones
Lily dipper
Posts: 35 
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Post by Bones on Jun 27, 2006 17:40:52 GMT -5
Michell,
I'm afraid it doesn't help you too much, but I've just finished a couple of trips in the Esquif prospecteur - rented from your retailer in Kedgwick! I paddled both the 16' solo, and the 17' in tandem. I found them to be very comfortable and maneouverable.
For my 2 day solo trip I used the 16' - excellent. If you're looking for a solo canoe later on I'd highly recommend it. It can carry loads of gear and still move around easily. From what a guide told me he's had it loaded to the gunnels and still found it surprisingly easy to paddle.
If, however, you're looking for a boat to play in the rapids - you might want to look elsewhere. I tend to do more longer trips, rapids for me are a way to avoid a portage!
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Post by mitchell on Jun 27, 2006 20:17:55 GMT -5
Bones,
Thanks alot for the info. I had heard the 16' prospector was a good tandem canoe and I know they are selling a couple used ones for a good price. Its good to actually talk to someone locally who has used one.
As for a solo though, I am looking at about a 12 footer with lots of rocker that can hold enough gear and still paddle with ease. Possibly the Nitro, Vertige or the Zepher. The nitro and vertige weigh about 50lbs and the zepher only 32lbs. I've got lots of time to figure out which solo boat I want as I proabably can't afford one til next year anyway.
Mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Jul 16, 2006 14:17:59 GMT -5
Just did a trip down the Kedgwick for the first time this weekend. Its a very pretty and relaxing river. I was able to test paddle the esquif prospecteur 16 and the canyon. I enjoyed both boats very much but in the end I purchased the canyon and found it be a better boat for me. I didn't have much trouble keeping it straight and found it tracked pretty good for a boat of this shape. I tried it solo for a while and could easily maneuver quickly. I also tried it with 3 people and found it still sat high in the water and was still easily maneuverable. Andre was a great help and there service up there is fantastic. They had a couple miramichi boats as well but they were on the water. He told it is similar to the old town xl tripper because it is 20' but said it handled better than the tripper. He also had a Zepher that I had a chance to sit in but couldn't take it to the water because it was already sold. What a nice solo boat though and its only 32 lbs. It was fully outfitted as well. If anyone wants to try these boats or have any questions, I would recommend canoe arpin as the whole staff are more than helpful and friendly.
Mitchell
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ldmrt
Voyageur
Posts: 124
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Post by ldmrt on Jul 18, 2006 13:19:25 GMT -5
what was the price on the Miramichi boat? I find with a 16' canoe, I have too much stuff when we go for a trip but that extra 4 feet should be ok for 3 people and a dog or two? It's too squished with our 16' coleman scanoe. Is it really stable or tippy?
Linda
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