1750CS

Like many other I have owned several canoes and most were fun and usable. The colman I had was not great. Had a flexible bottom and really didnt track well. Fast forward 20 years and we found a used 1750CS online dirt cheap with a motor, trailer, and trolling motor in mint condition ($750). We have used it regularly now for over a year. And what a boat it is. Being a hard core kayak guy we were not taking much with us to save weight. Over time we have realized it's true capabilities. We take everything we need and dont even think about weight. When I go solo I take 2 batteries to aid in balance. Allows me to sit in the back and with our 35 pound thrust trolling motor and a single type 27 battery it has a range of over 10 miles with wind and current. The withlacoochie river can have some strong current. This boat will run up or down current no problem. Will run 5mph on high into the wind. A true expedition class craft. Were we fish they charge $5 to park a trailer, but no charge to park a vehicle. So we load her stern first in my short bed truck and put a flag on the bow. We or I can unload from the boat ramp in minutes. We absolutely love this boat. Easy to run trot lines from and great for drifting and trolling as well. This is the last canoe we will ever own. Unless a 19 footer happens to show up cheap. It also paddles great single or double. Up current or down.

I've had many canoes over the years. Cedar Geislers, Fiberglass Old Town and a Detroit Boat Works canvas that dates to 1910. A few years back I bought a 17' Grumman with two factory installed wings at the waterline. It has a square back for a motor. It is heavy! I have spoken to Marathon Boats in New York state but they have no records of ever making this kind canoe. I even spoke to an employee that worked there back in the Grumman days. He said he kind of remembered some experimentation that was going on in the 1950's or 1960's with this type of craft. It rides well and is very stable. I sure wish I could find out more about it. It's an attention getter and my outings always take extra time to show folks this unique craft.

Great aluminum riveted canoe that paddles true, is lightweight, can fit the whole family plus enough gear for multiday trips! The square back is great for trolling motor hookup for longer or solo trips that may not be easy to paddle. The stability is good enough even if the kids want to look over the sides as you paddle! And to top it all off they used to be made local to where I grew up here in Central Florida!