Old Town Saranac 146 Canoe Review

[usmcveteran]

Just thought I would write a quick review and answer any questions anyone may have.

I have used this canoe at least 8 times already. It's fairly stable but with dogs that run back and forth it's a bit scary lol. I did end up making outriggers that attach using clamps which work awesome and I can share more info about that if there is interest. I also just made a motor mount for trolling motor I plan on getting for real cheap.

I really like the seats on this canoe. They are very comfortable and you sit lower which helps with stability of the canoe. What I don't like though is since you do have a back your canoe has one one direction you can sit.

Another concern is the center seat cover. I had it open and get ripped off on the Thruway. Luckily I don't think anyone was hurt or damaged because of it. What was great though is the customer service and that they are sending me a replacement free of charge!

The load rating is 700 to 750 lbs for this canoe which is plenty and I took it on a two day camping trip already and have plans for week long trip soon.

Ony last trip I pulled up onto lots of rocky areas and i was surprised there weren't more scratches on the bottom so I am really happy.

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask, I would recommend this for noobies and recreational canoeists.

[LibertyOrDeath]

That puppy weights in at almost 80lbs, I take it you won't be doing any portaging.Probably a nice rig to go fishing with.

[usmcveteran]

No portaging lol, well for camping I had to portage 100 yards or a little more or so

[usmcveteran]

Will try and get pictures tomorrow

[usmcveteran]

Here is mount I made for it for trolling motor. Very cheap to make using a 2x4 and 5.5" 1/4 bolts with wing nuts.

[LibertyOrDeath]

That's a nice set up you got there. Any idea what type of speed you get out of the trolling motor. Let us know what type of run time you get too.

[usmcveteran]

The trolling motor in picture is a Minn Kota 40 lbs max motor. I took it out already using a lawn battery with a 12 min reserve time meaning it will run for 12 minutes at 25 amp draw.

Since I was playing around with it I went full speed for a little bit which really effects run time negatively. I also learned at full speed you don't want to turn much or it could flip easily.

That said I did not take a watch to time with me but going into wind and current on Erie canal I did manage to go around 1.3 to 1.5 miles before battery dies. Most of the time I was running around 50% power just under where it really picks up speed.

As far as speed, my understanding it all depends on conditions obviously but 5 mph is about all you can hope for regardless of how many pounds of thrust you have.

I do have a meter ordered to place in line to measure amp draw to do more testing and I have an actual marine battery coming as well and want to do testing with out riggers I made to see how that effects things with additional drag as well.

[RayKnobs]

I have the same canoe. I made a stretcher that hold my outriggers and extra rod holders. I took the pin out of a hinge and replace it with a removable pin.

















I have a commercial clamp on motor mount and a set of inflatable wheels for moving it a long distance. My 8yo and I can carry it from the truck to the launch.

upload a gif

[usmcveteran]

Any pictures of the wheels?

[RayKnobs]

[usmcveteran]

Is that pvc pipe painted black for your outrigger? I like that outrigger system you have, looks more packable then mine.

[RayKnobs]

PVC arm down to a PVC Tee with pipe that goes out with lobster trap buoy's on them. They go into a fishing rod holder pointed down with a clevis pin drilled thru the holder / pvc arm

[masterswimmer]

Ray, neat, tidy, efficient and ingenious. I love the setup. Great idea.

[usmcveteran]

What size board did you use? Any tips on making it myself?