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My review of the Ladybug as Canoefred, misidentified my boat as being made in 1981. It was made in '84 and wighed 40 pounds. I replaced it a year ago with another fiberglass 'bug in even better shape. This boat was made in 1985 and weighs in at 36 pounds. I intend to keep enjoying it as I progress further into my 70's. I paddle it single blade and find it continues to be a fun boat to play in.

I bought a 1981 Lady Bug in fiberglass last fall without having paddled it, based on its reputation as a sport canoe. I have a Hemlock Kestrel which is a great tripping boat, but a little straight tracking for playing around with freestyle moves. The Lady Bug turned out to be all that I had hoped for. It spins much more easily and yet will track fine if you have some paddle skills.

At 13' 8" length, 26" width at the gunnels, the boat is good for a small to medium sized paddler. The sides bubble out to a 29" maximum and back in to 27" at the water line, giving the boat its famous secondary stability. While very maneuverable, the boat will move along well to keep up with other paddlers.

My only reservation is the boat's weight. It tips the bathroom scale at about 40 pounds which is about 7 more than my Kestrel. Both boats have all wood trim, a look I favor in a canoe which I love to maintain at the start and end of the season.

I am in my late 60's and while I can still load it on and off the car, I will continue to enjoy this fun boat.