For those who don't know, Navarro is back in business and they still make the Loon 16. Mine is many years old. It has been on the bays & lagoons of Southern California, multi-week excursions through the Boundry Waters, and on lake & rivers in between. There are 3 negatives, in my opinion; they're slightly heavier than some similar canoes, they should be stored out of the sun (like most everything), and they require a tiny bit of upkeep. Looking at each:
Maintenance - once a year or twice if used heavily, wash it well, use a good marine wax on the gel coat, and use Watco Danish Oil - Natural -on the wood. Watco contains both oil & laquer. It penetrates and protects the wood, while giving it a rich and deep golden color. You canoe will look amazing, from the Oak to the Cherry wood ribs. IMHO, Navarro canoes are works of art.
Sun - Gel coats will fade in strong UV light. I use 303 Protectant on mine or use a good, UV rated marine wax. I've stored mine out in the sun with a cover to keep out the leaves & critters in Southern California. Looks great. It really doesn't take much time to wax a canoe.
Weight - The bad, is yes, a few extra pounds, but there's also a good. Along with Bob Foote's excellent design, that little extra weight helps keep momentum in a wind and resists waves that affect similar sized canoes that are lighter. If your portaging a lot, and long distances without wheels, it's a factor. I'm lazy, so for those long portage trips I bring my wheels.
The positives: Balance. many vessels are highly specific, such a great for expeditions, or white water. For me, I prefer a more versatile canoe. For example, if I was only doing expeditions, I'd choose a Winonah or similar. I sure wouldn't choose the Loon or the Winonah for white water. But I do more than just expeditions. My Loon 16 was perfect for my GF, my Golden Retriever and me for 2 weeks trips at BWCA. It's great on the lakes and I'm comforatble on rivers up to a 2+, if it's not too rocky. At 16' it's reasonably maneuverable, and it tracks straight. It's not a turn carver, like a more specialized canoe would be.
The canoe runs pretty dry with just a little flare, the initial rocker is medium to me, secondary is stable. It's very stable and dry when loaded down. Beginners will do fine, and will quickly become intermediates. Experts may want a more specialized canoe, for each specific water they're paddling, but they won't complain if they can have only one canoe and like differing water types.
Lastly, these are craftsman built and look like it. I've had rangers and strangers come over to take photos. You get a beautiful, versatile, easy handling canoe that will last, with just a couple hours of elbow grease each year.
For the record, I do not work for, nor am I affiliated with Navarro canoes. They wouldn't know me from Adam. I just respect the beauty and functionality combined that is missing in so many things, today.
