Discovery 160K

I purchased my Discovery 160k nearly 30 years ago after researching all the available options available. It was about 1990 and I lived not far from CapeCod MA. I loved saltwater fly fishing and with the increasing numbers of striped bass and other species in the area I wanted to extend my range on the many estuary fisheries in the RI/MA area. The Discovery seemed to be the best option. Keel, rowable, motor option, easily portable on my car or Jeep, though at the time lifting it alone was less of an issue. Now in my mid 60’s I still handle it alone though with more finesse than strength and I tap my nieces and nephews for fishing adventures, partly to share the sport and partly for their physical abilities. At over 40” beam I can easily cast and if conditions permit stand in the canoe while fly fishing - - - if alone I can easily row the entire rig. We now see ocean kayak’s with outriggers and all sorts of configurations, though when I started using the Discovery 160 I received quite a few odd looks and questions. I even received more than my share of harbor master visits due to the motor I was required to register the canoe with a 3.0 hp motor and complete the marine safety course. I always have a full compliment of safety gear, lighting, flotation etc. so each encounter was uneventful. This has been a great canoe and I hope it will be so for the next 30 years! I just “refurbished” the canoe for the 2020 season during the COVID-19 lockdown in my state. I obtained and fitted new cane seats online, pulled the bench seat, stripped then gave it 3 coats of marine poly to the center bench seat then treated the exterior with 303 plastic finish. I own a 30 acre pond and have been using the Discovery to thin out the local calico bass and trout population. This canoe was the right purchase for me at the time as it filled the need for a minimalist no draft watercraft that allowed me to sight fish the extensive salt estuaries on Cape Cod, MA as well as many river/lake/pond day trips with families and friends. You can always sell a used canoe (like a used PU Truck), in my area so there are no worries about what to do with it when the time comes. If I were to purchase a canoe today I would have a smaller lighter canoe as the Discover 160 is lot to manage, though still very stable.

This was our first canoe and we love it. It's a war horse mind you at almost 90 lbs. it is a bit hard to wrangle on and off the Jeep solo. The stability is amazing, very difficult to flip! I take it solo and row it with oars on river trips from 3-5 days. It handles all the gear and still rows easy. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an expedition canoe!

I purchased a used Old Town 16 canoe 1986 model year-plastic. It was well used when I got it and 7 years later it still has a lot of years of use in it. This thing is a tank. Other than a little oil canning which it had when I purchased it. I'm not sure what I could do to damage it in a paddling setting. We use it in winter to pull behind tractor in snow loaded with kids. Only bad thing is the weight. It is heavy and difficult to lift onto car so I use trailer to transport.

Had (2) 160k Discoveries; one a 1997 & the other a 2003 (which never saw water-sold it after the experience with the '97).

No complaints with handling, etc.

MAJOR disappointment with the Polylink3: The '97 suddenly showed separation cracking over 80% of its bottom, and not caused by abuse on rocks, etc. Called Old Town; I was advised that it has suffered "ultraviolet degradation", and should be "retired" from use. It was not considered repairable, and OTC offered no assistance (new boat at some discount, advice on repair etc.), since it was well out of warranty. Was advised to "keep out of direct sunlight" if possible! I don't expect any canoe to last forever, but I don't expect sunlight to destroy it either!

After my phone call (no hostilities) my emails as to repair kits, etc. went unanswered.

Still have a new-condition 17ft Discovery Sport square stern, Polylink3, and I am VERY careful to cover it with a silver tarp when not in use. Likely will sell it also before it has a chance to degrade.

Have had many canoes, from 1955 to date, mostly OTC's, including original Guide wood/canvas and Royalex (no problems w/ the Royalex), some Grummans, Radissons, Sportspals, others. All were no problem with material failure.

NO more Polylink3for this paddler...

I bought this canoe in 2002 had it out in every thing from small Ozark steams to the Atlantic off Hunting Island SC. This boat is rock solid try taking 2 kids crabbing in another canoe this thing is as close to bombproof as it gets. Thing is I don't paddle I row and it flies with oars no need for a trolling motor. The only down side is the weight at 87 lbs. it is heavy. But this canoe is the hummer of canoes 1100lb cap. If you want a sports car buy a kayak.

This has been an excellent canoe for both my son and I. We have been out in the Chesapeake bay to paddle and to fish from it as well as numerous local rivers. It only took us a few minutes to get adjusted to its stability and once we did , away we went.Tracks very well , has more than ample speed, carries a ton of gear.easy to portage, easy to haul around.This is just one good canoe and I would recomend it to any one looking for a general purpose canoe.

Don't paddle this boat! Row it. As a row boat it is a dream. Class 3 white water will require float bags and so will ocean surf. It is light for a row boat, but it may be one of the heaviest canoes in current production. This is a truely wonderful row boat. Just don't confuse it for a canoe and try to paddle it. Someday I hope to find something similar that weighs much less....It will have to be made of Kevlar and cost a small fortune. But weight is this boats only fault, except for the fact that it paddles miserably. Row it!

I too bought the 160K as my first canoe. It has unbelievable, stand up, stability. Carries 3 large men and we keep up just fine. In strong wind it is a bear but the oars do overcome. Yes it is heavy. But she is fun to paddle, when empty its a downright joy. It's a big gear tripper, a ocean dory, a john boat fisher and not bad if you just want to get through the waves and white stuff. A good strong boat that does a lot of things fairly well.

Canoe is heavy and made with crosslinked polymer. It has a mild keel that runs the length of the bottom and is over 40 inches wide. A third seat may be added in center. This canoe was hastily purchased as it was my first one and I didn't know what made for an easily paddled canoe. It was designed for fishing with an auxilary motor. It is cumbersome to paddle, but carries a heavy load. I use it for canoe-camping and let my teenage kids paddle the beast. Nuff said.