Easy Storage
Canoes require a great deal less storage space than a boat. Because they are light they can also be stored in places you wouldn't be able to store a boat.
Some canoe designs even come in two or more parts which you bolt together, this allows you to use a monstor of a boat if you have an especially large family or dog! It's again, the flexibility of a canoe that can make it the ideal choice for the adventurous sailor or even the family wanting a potter on a sunny afternoon. However, watch out because all this means they are also easier to steal so make sure you keep your canoe under lock and key.
4
Canoes are easy to transport
One of the pains of boating is that some of us live nowhere near the water we intend to use the boat on. This often means that we have to take the boat to the water. The moment you start considering road trailers you are getting into a whole new world of expense. Especially if you want to move your boat a long distance - for example take it on holiday/vacation with you. This is where the open canoe comes into its own, many of them can be safely and easily car topped. You need to check the weight of the boat and the weight your car can carry on the roof (usually in the driver's manual that came with the car, or you can check online). Yes you will need a suitable roof carrying system or roof rack but this is a lot cheaper than a trailer. This also means your tow hitch is free to tow either a caravan or perhaps another trailer - ideally with another boat!. Car topping will save you a considerable amount of cash and hassle. However, make sure you are able to lift the boat on the roof by yourself if you cannot rely on help - it's all too easy to end up dropping the boat on a bonnet or putting it though the back windscreen.. Remember that you are likely to be cold and tired when trying to do this.
Canoes are easy to deploy
Deployment! A very military word but one thing that prospective boat owners often neglect to factor into their boat choice.
Deployment ease is how long and how easily it takes you to actually get on the water, where you want to. This is where canoes have a huge advantage. Due to their weight they can ften be launched anywhere you can carry them down to the water. Yes it can take time to attach outriggers and rig sails but a decent sized family dinghy will take a good 40 minutes to deploy by the time you've unhitched it, rigged the mast, never mind the queue for the slipway or slipway fees. This means you actually use your boat. How many thousands in cash are spent sitting in marinas around the world? Don't underestimate this, and read Osbert's column this month to see why.
3
5
"The ease of transport, rigging, and the waters explored, against the cost (£'s per amount used) far exceeds bigger boats on moorings. "Been there done that" A big smile comes on my face when I pass moored boats with crews just lazing around because they have nowhere to go, where as we can put in and land almost any where, sail in shelter depending where the wind is from, lovely."
Dave Bursnall Open Canoe Sailor and former yacht owner
There's no set rule for sailing canoes, they come in many shapes and sizes. Choice of hull shape is important to ensure suitability for use under sail. Photo copyright OCSG
Becalmed? No Problem!
Photo copyright OCSG
Who says you need a sailboat to sail upwind?
Note the 'gull winged' floats - an important safety feature on open water
Photo- Keith Morris
19.