I ended up with an Old Town Camper, 16 feet long, around 36 inches wide.
Like the name says, it is good for camping out, carrying lots of gear,
can be paddled solo or tandem. It weighs less than 60 pounds, so good
for those of us who aren't getting any younger, easier to pick up and
throw on the roof of the car, etc. (I am not sure you can get a canoe
rack for a Boxer). The relatively wide hull makes it more stable,
slower, and allows it to carry more stuff. A buddy has a very similar
Old Town boat, I forget the model, it is maybe an inch narrower.

Royalex boats like this one are usually good choices for river use, will
take more abuse but weigh more than Kevlar boats. Kevlar boats are
probably not for people starting out in paddling. Obviously river boats
should not have a keel.

I guess I would urge you to stay with kind of middle of the road
designs, there are some more radical designs out there, but I don't
think that they are for beginners. Look at the numbers, especially the
width and the weight. Old Town and Mad River are a couple of the big
manufacturers with a wide range of models. There are different boats
for different purposes and tastes, but I think that your needs call for
more of a middle of the road boat.

As far as gear, start with paddling life jackets and straight shaft
paddles, and then upgrade later. If you do harder rivers you will add
float bags, thigh straps, ....

My two cents worth from somebody who was in your shoes not too long ago.

Richard



tmac wrote:
Hello all,

I am having a late midlife crisis and instead of a Boxter or a new wife i
thought I might try canoeing, but don't want to get a second mortgage. I
would really welcome some suggestions for a decent all purpose, but mostly
river travelling, canoe. Also, any help w/ accessories to get started right
would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance to all who offer advice.

Terry in NW Arkansas