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I don't buy kayak paddles, I build them. So why am I reviewing a manufactured kayak paddle? A sporting goods chain going out of business had a 'too good to be true' discount going, and I bought a Carlisle paddle for back up, to loan out, for shallow rocky streams I don't want to ding my lovely cedar paddles in. I was prepared to be underwhelmed, but surprise, this is a sturdy, utilitarian paddle, and a good buy, even at retail. There are a lot of paddles that are more expensive, but my Magic gets the job done. My kayak is also self-built, but I'm not embarrassed paddling with this paddle.

The only reason I am making the rating an 8, instead of higher, is all the reasons that aluminum canoes get bad-mouthed. They're heavy, they're noisy, they're too hot or too cold, they hang up on shallow rocks, etc. Yes, all true, but still not enough to over look all the great qualities of the Grumman boats.

Like many, I learned to canoe (and earned the merit badge) at Boy Scout camp in this 17 foot Grumman wonder boat. My current boat is a 30 pound skin-on-frame delight, but I would add any of the Grumman aluminum boats to my tiny fleet, especially the 1750CKS, if I can find a nice used boat at a good price. Yes, it will never match the handling of my current boat, but that doesn't matter. Aluminum boats are dead tough, easy to maintain, and will out last any current 'plastic' boat. It is a classic, but be aware of it's limitations, and you won't be disappointed.

The Chuckanut 15 is that neither fish nor fowl category of 'decked canoe' used in the 19th century. Useful as either a single or double, the cockpit is 8 feet in length. Skin-on-frame construction makes for VERY low weight. The skin is much tougher than anyone not familiar with skin-on-frame boats will believe.

Construction is fast and inexpensive, and the skill levels and precision demands are low. Boat handles well. Designer is conservative on capacity rating, unlike the unrealistic numbers put by manufacturers on capacity plates.
Give SOF a try!