Tennessean

I am new to canoeing having only been in the USA for just over a year. I live in Tennessee and looking at the rivers in this state decided a canoe was the best option to follow my hobby of photography. I researched looking for a canoe that would meet my needs in the years ahead. I did not want to lose my camera equipment so a stable platform was needed.

I am now 63 years old so light weight was essential in order to get it on the roof of my vehicle. And it had to be pleasing on the eye. I made contact with Randy at Merrimack canoes and was invited to meet him at his workshop. He made myself and my wife feel very welcome, like old friends. He showed us the production progress, from the beginning to the end. The different canoes that he produces and, he took the time to explain their different paddling characteristics of each model. He also provided a lot of information on paddling the local area.

I was initially looking at the Osprey designed by his grandfather, but eventually decided on the Tennessean. A compromise between ease of paddle and stability. I have been out on the rivers several times and unfortunately put a few scratches on the beautiful finish by hitting a few submerged rocks. But I purchased this work of art to use not look at. Despite my novice status, at no time do I feel unsafe paddling alone, and my cameras have remained dry.

It is very responsive for a lone novice paddler, and also for a duo. Plenty of room for my gear, easy to connect my camera mount to and a very nice backrest to just sit there and fish. I took part in our local paddlefest for local children. A lot of comments and admirers of the canoe before during and after the 8 mile paddle.

Anyone looking for a quality canoe, made by a gentleman craftsman or just looking for sound advise should contact Randy at Merrimack Canoes. Hopefully you will come away as pleased as I am. Even if you do not purchase, just to listen to the history of Merrimack canoes from Randy as he speaks about his family involvement, past, present and future will be a delightful and educating experience.

I'm completely satisfied with my new Tennessean. I spent a lot of time in Canadian wood/canvas canoes and was reluctant to get into modern materials, but this is a perfect blend of old and new.

Prior reviewers correctly raved about Merrimack's good looks and craftsmanship. Jim at Merrimack was as accommodating and informative as could be, and then some. The Tennessean performs exactly as represented: an ideal cruiser for rivers and small bays of the Florida panhandle, even with some wind from the Gulf.

It's light but not flimsy. Stable but definitely not a tub. Smooth paddling solo or tandem. Easy to carry and tucks away in the garage. I expect to put many happy nautical miles on this heirloom quality vessel.
PS: Merrimack's line of cherry wood paddles are also first rate.

I had the pleasure of buying a used Tennessean directly from Merrimack, and in the process met Jim the owner, Randy Pew who designed my canoe, and Scott who actually built it. I brought my 7 year old son to pick up the canoe in Crossville, TN and we got to see where these canoes are made. I was expecting a factory., What I saw was a very small group of guys who are the stewards of an art passed down from generations past and who care very much about what they make and how satisfied their customers are. I could have saved a few bucks and bought a plastic boat from a chain store. But I've had my boat out several times now and can tell you it worth every freakin' penny. It is beautiful, handles like a dream, is light enough for my old bones to toss onto the roof of a Suburban solo (and did I say it was beautiful). Look at their website and you'll see a picture of a Tennessean with a crowd of admirers around it. I SWEAR the exact same thing has happened to me every time I've had it out: "What kind of canoe is that?" "What's it made of?" "Did you make that by hand?" "How much did THAT cost?"

Take it out on a beautiful morning or at dusk. Paddle it tandem or solo. Soak in the beauty of the boat and your surroundings, and you'll have what I call a "Bill Mason Moment." You'll know immediately why this canoe is a special thing. Life's too short to ride in a canoe made of recycled drink cups from the stadium. Buy this boat, enjoy this boat, and make sure these fine people can keep making them like Randy's family has done for generations.