Purchased my Ram-17 in 1976 from the now defunct Sportmart chain. Paid $299 and opted for the middle seat fo another $29. Assembly took approximately 4 hours with my buddy, but the instructions were clear, and simple tools were all that were needed. I was happy to build it myself, making me realize how well it was designed and how durable it was going to be. First trip was on the Fox River in Illinois for a weekend camp trip. Held myself and girlfriend plus all our gear easily. A bit awkward to paddle, being a novice, but the big orange handled everything we threw at it. Now I've paddled and camped out of this canoe all over this country, mostly on rivers. A few excursions on big water truly exposed it's only weakness. I'm talking high headwinds and heavy maneuverability. It's hard to keep this beast straight into the wind, but with practice and experience, I've learn to compensate. I've also have taken the Big Orange through some challenging class 3 and a couple class 4 Rapids with nary a problem. Big rocks and trees have not hardly caused any damage to this beast, and it's flexibility is a plus during those real rough rides. Next year will mark 45 years and I've really haven't done anything to the Big Orange other than to love it and never doubt it's durability. It's all original as the day I bought it, and that alone, is the reason I've never regretted buying it. I've always been a big advocate of Coleman products, from clothing, to camping, and even a gas grille. If the Coleman name is on it, good chance I will buy it!
