Loon 16

For those who don't know, Navarro is back in business and they still make the Loon 16. Mine is many years old. It has been on the bays & lagoons of Southern California, multi-week excursions through the Boundry Waters, and on lake & rivers in between. There are 3 negatives, in my opinion; they're slightly heavier than some similar canoes, they should be stored out of the sun (like most everything), and they require a tiny bit of upkeep. Looking at each: Maintenance - once a year or twice if used heavily, wash it well, use a good marine wax on the gel coat, and use Watco Danish Oil - Natural -on the wood. Watco contains both oil & laquer. It penetrates and protects the wood, while giving it a rich and deep golden color. You canoe will look amazing, from the Oak to the Cherry wood ribs. IMHO, Navarro canoes are works of art. Sun - Gel coats will fade in strong UV light. I use 303 Protectant on mine or use a good, UV rated marine wax. I've stored mine out in the sun with a cover to keep out the leaves & critters in Southern California. Looks great. It really doesn't take much time to wax a canoe. Weight - The bad, is yes, a few extra pounds, but there's also a good. Along with Bob Foote's excellent design, that little extra weight helps keep momentum in a wind and resists waves that affect similar sized canoes that are lighter. If your portaging a lot, and long distances without wheels, it's a factor. I'm lazy, so for those long portage trips I bring my wheels. The positives: Balance. many vessels are highly specific, such a great for expeditions, or white water. For me, I prefer a more versatile canoe. For example, if I was only doing expeditions, I'd choose a Winonah or similar. I sure wouldn't choose the Loon or the Winonah for white water. But I do more than just expeditions. My Loon 16 was perfect for my GF, my Golden Retriever and me for 2 weeks trips at BWCA. It's great on the lakes and I'm comforatble on rivers up to a 2+, if it's not too rocky. At 16' it's reasonably maneuverable, and it tracks straight. It's not a turn carver, like a more specialized canoe would be. The canoe runs pretty dry with just a little flare, the initial rocker is medium to me, secondary is stable. It's very stable and dry when loaded down. Beginners will do fine, and will quickly become intermediates. Experts may want a more specialized canoe, for each specific water they're paddling, but they won't complain if they can have only one canoe and like differing water types. Lastly, these are craftsman built and look like it. I've had rangers and strangers come over to take photos. You get a beautiful, versatile, easy handling canoe that will last, with just a couple hours of elbow grease each year. For the record, I do not work for, nor am I affiliated with Navarro canoes. They wouldn't know me from Adam. I just respect the beauty and functionality combined that is missing in so many things, today.

I have a Kevlar Loon 16 that I bought used. Truly beautiful canoe--a friend says it's like paddling fine cabinetry. The canoe is excellent in a variety of moving water conditions, including swells and wind chop on a big river. The hull is reasonably fast for a 16-foot canoe, but slow compared to 17 and 18 foot canoes. I particularly like its lightness for carrying to and from the river and portages. Having come from owning Royalex trippers, I find it a little fussy to have to baby the canoe to minimize scratches, but I'm learning to take the little bit of extra care.

Navarro Canoe Co. 16' Loon, 15-years old, paddled in Northern California with both my sons and also attached a trolling motor. The canoe is a joy. The canoe is also always the most beautiful on the water. An excellent canoe

I've owned a couple of canoes now, this Loon 16 for the past 15 years. The only mild complaint I have is, as with all wood/fiberglass/gel boats, the maintenance required to keep that wonderful appearance. The hull will scratch on the rocks, and fade in the sun. It's best to keep it covered, in the garage when not in use.

Overall, this boat has been a joy to own. My wife and I take it on lakes, and Class II rivers here in Northern Calif. and even after all these years, it's still the prettiest boat in the water.

I love my Loon 16 but I would not buy another one. The company appears to be out of business. They don't answer their phone or respond to my email requests. I am trying to track down a center seat. Any ideas?

I purchased this "Eggplant" colored beauty about 5 years ago. I have yet to find a prettier, more classic, and well-mannered vessel manufactured by any other company for the price. I also own a Merimack that was my Father's, but the Loon is the one I enjoy the most. Great for fly-fishing or lake trips with Mom & child; & even in high winds, this baby stays nice and dry. I HIGHLY suggest this model. -Now, if I could only get it back from my buddy who borrowed it last season ;P

We have never been disappointed by the performance. In flat water the boat tracks great, and in moving water it goes where you point it. It performs fantastic with lots of wieght for tripping and handles wind quite well. My wife and I have paddleded it for over fifty trips in the past four years and it still looks new. Once a year maintainance (oil wood and wax hull) really keeps the boat looking sharp. Of coarse we get lots of comments on the beautiful workmanship that went into the construction. Thanks Virgil!