I am looking at purchasing my first canoe. I have been on Craigslist for a couple months now, but nobody seems to understand what the value of used equipment is (asking too much). At this point, I am looking at buying new.

 

My budget is $750 or less, which has left me with the Saranac models or a Coleman. What are your thoughts on both, and is it really worth it to bump up to a better version of any canoe?

 

 

I've been looking at the scout and scout elite models from sun dolphin. The only knock against them that I can find is that they are a bit on the heavy side (85-95lbs depending on model). Walmart has them for about $200 less than any other retailer that I have come across, and way under the MSRP. Now that I have a new roof rack on our SUV, I was thinking about ordering one to my nearest location for an in store pickup.

I have a 14' Saranac. I love the seats in it more than anything. Sits pretty low compared to the discovery 169 I have.

You have a crappy CL. I have a dozen canoes listed on the Philly list, nearly all under your price point. If you're going new, and those are your 2 choices, I would say the Saranac(be for warned, I would try those pre molded seats out first).

Check craigslist in your area. You would be suprised the deals ya can get. And what ya can do with a cheap canoe

Check out any local places that rent canoes or kayaks. Usually this occurs in the fall, but those places will offload their old rentals for cheap in the fall or maybe the spring before the season starts. I would not worry about a beat up looking boat, especially if you are going to fish from it. I fish from a canoe a lot and they get dirty quick. Plus you never worry about scraping rocks or bumping into things with it!

Craigslist is negotiable on prices remember that.