Osprey

I bought my Osprey, used, in Keene, NH, in 1976. I paid something like $100. It looked like it was pretty old already, so it may well have been among the earlier editions. I think, at that time, either the model name or the manufacturer was Mansfield.

My canoe had been sitting in the seller’s yard, unused and unprotected, for some time. But I restored it and have been using it ever since.

Most often, I paddle solo, with a five-gallon jug of water in the bow to somewhat balance my weight in the stern. Usually I’m fishing, so I find the Osprey’s agility and stability real assets. I’ve also taken it on solo canoe trips in Minnesota’s breathtaking Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where it proved a trusty companion.

I’m now 77 years old, and find that the canoe’s light weight has enabled me to still handle it—flipping it quite easily from car rack to water and back by myself. The freedom that affords me is priceless.

I often get comments on how beautiful my little canoe is—especially those thin, cherry slat/ribs. Most folks have never seen anything like it.

I’ve considered buying a new Osprey from the current manufacturer, Merrimack Canoes. They look identical to the one I purchased 42 years ago. So gorgeous! But the old beauty I have has earned a permanent place in my heart and soul.

And when I’m gone, I hope someone else will enjoy her for yet another generation.

Among the very best purchases of my life!

Working with Jim Watkins the owner of Merrimack Canoes was a pleasure. The canoes are still made by hand, in Tennessee by the same people who started the company 50 years ago. Only about 100 canoes are made each year.

Based upon the type of canoeing I would be doing I selected a beautiful green Osprey. Transporting the 13 ft conoe the 200 miles back home was a snap. A rooftop carryiny kit consisting of several foam blocks attached to the canoe gunwales and a few nylon straps quickly secured my canoe to the roof of my Acura sedan.

Now the fun part. The beauty of my Osprey was only surpassed by the fun I have experienced. I live in the Pensacola Florida area. Near my home is a creek that feeds a bayou that runs into a bay. Even though it is winter there have been enough good days that have allowed me to enjoy my Osprey. It is easy to paddle, tracks great and is very stable. I am 57 years old and both my wife and grown daughter have enjoyed outings down the bayou. Since it is so easy to transport the canoe on the roof of my car my next adventure will be to the Austin Texas "hill country" where my daughter and son in law live. We plan on using my Merrimack Osprey to paddle down the numerous streams and rivers and fly fish for trout and bass this spring.

I would highly recommend the Merrimack to anyone looking for a traditional high quality canoe. Is it a little more expensive? Yes. It is worth the difference. Anyone who has compared a high quality fly rod with a cheap rod knows what I am talking about. Happy canoeing!