Profile

I bought my Chelan used three years ago. I'm sure it's now over 20 years old. I replaced the bungees and the fancy inflatable seat no longer inflates (but I find think it's comfortable enough anyway), so the boat pretty much functions as well as I'm sure it did when new. Overall, I've been very happy with it. It's tough, stable, tracks fine without rudder when conditions are calm and with the rudder when they're not. It hit a sweet spot for my first 'real' touring boat, just enough capacity for light camping or day recreation/touring, just light enough (55 lbs, I believe, as noted by another reviewer) to load by myself, easy to keep on track with rudder, very stable, and highly durable. For a day-trip or short overnight-trip boat having more capabilities than most recreational boats, a used Necky Chelan still makes a great choice because it will probably last forever with almost no attention.