Old Town Canoe Schematics

Old Town Canoe Schematics

Old Town Canoe & Kayak: Legendary Craftsmanship & Durability Since 1898

For over 125 years, Old Town Canoe has been synonymous with adventure on the water. From their historic roots in Old Town, Maine, this iconic brand has built an unparalleled reputation for quality, durability, and craftsmanship, producing some of the most trusted canoes and kayaks available today. Whether you’re planning a family paddle on a calm lake, a multi-day wilderness canoe trip, or a serious kayak fishing expedition, Old Town offers a watercraft designed to enhance your outdoor adventure.  

A Legacy Forged in Old Town, Maine

The story of Old Town Canoe began in 1898. Inspired by the traditional designs of the Penobscot Nation, the company started building wood-and-canvas canoes behind a hardware store in Old Town, Maine. Incorporated in 1901, the company quickly grew, becoming a cornerstone of the North American paddling scene. Throughout its long canoe history, Old Town has remained committed to its Maine heritage, continuing to build its watercraft with meticulous care in Old Town, Maine, blending tradition with modern innovation.  

Legendary Old Town Canoes: Built to Last

While Old Town began with wood and canvas, they adapted to modern materials to ensure their canoes remained leaders in performance and longevity.

Materials & Unmatched Durability

Many modern Old Town canoes are renowned for their exceptional durability, often utilizing a robust three-layer polyethylene construction (sometimes referred to as PolyLink3). This process creates a hull that is incredibly resistant to impacts and abrasions, making these canoes ideal for rocky rivers, frequent use, and paddlers who need a boat that can handle real-world conditions without worry. This construction became a popular and reliable Royalex alternative when that material ceased production, offering similar toughness. This focus on canoe manufacturing techniques results in boats that last for decades.  

Iconic Canoe Models for Every Paddler

Old Town offers a range of canoes to suit different needs:

  • Discovery Canoe Series: Perhaps the most versatile and recognizable line, models like the Discovery 119 (solo), Discovery 133 (often used solo or tandem), Discovery 158, and Discovery 169 (tandem) are celebrated for their stability, ruggedness, and generous capacity. They are excellent choices for tripping, fishing, and general recreation.
  • Saranac Canoe Series: Designed with families and recreational canoeing in mind, Saranac models often feature comfortable seating, built-in storage options like coolers, and excellent stability for leisurely paddles.  
  • Solo and Tandem Options: Old Town provides various designs catering to both solo canoe paddlers seeking independence and tandem canoe users wanting to share the journey.  

Expanding Horizons: Versatile Old Town Kayaks

Leveraging their boat-building expertise, Old Town Kayak has become a major force in the kayak market, offering a diverse lineup.

Recreational Kayaks for Comfort & Stability

For paddlers prioritizing comfort and ease of use, Old Town offers excellent recreational kayaks. Models like the popular Loon kayak series and the Heron kayak are known for their spacious cockpits, comfortable seating, and reassuring stable kayak designs, perfect for exploring lakes and gentle rivers.  

Dominate the Water: Old Town Fishing Kayaks

Old Town has made significant waves in the kayak fishing world. Their dedicated fishing kayak lines include:

  • Sportsman Kayak Series: This comprehensive line features models like the Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot (with motorized Minn Kota GPS Spot-Lock technology), PDL models (like the Sportsman 106 PDL and 120 PDL with forward/reverse pedal drive), and paddle versions. They are packed with angler-friendly features like stable hulls for standing, rod holders, accessory tracks, and ample storage.  
  • Topwater Kayak Series: Another popular choice for anglers, the Topwater kayak line (including the Topwater PDL) offers excellent stability and fishing features in a compact and maneuverable package.  

Sit-On-Top Fun: Old Town Ocean Kayak

Old Town has also integrated the pioneering Ocean Kayak brand into its family. This brings the legacy of user-friendly sit-on-top kayaks under the Old Town umbrella. Popular models like the versatile Malibu kayak (available in solo, tandem, and pedal versions) continue to offer accessible, stable fun perfect for family kayaking and recreational paddling.  

Why Choose an Old Town Canoe or Kayak?

Generations of paddlers have chosen Old Town for compelling reasons:

  • Proven Durability: Their construction techniques result in boats that last.
  • Rich Heritage: Over 125 years of craftsmanship and experience.
  • Wide Selection: A vast range of canoes and kayaks for nearly every type of paddling.  
  • Innovation: Leading advancements like the reliable PDL drive system and motorized options.  
  • Trusted Brand: A name recognized and respected throughout the outdoor recreation community.

Conclusion

From the historic workshops of Old Town, Maine, Old Town Canoe & Kayak continues to build upon its incredible legacy. Their commitment to quality, durability, and innovation ensures that paddlers of all levels can find a reliable and enjoyable canoe or kayak to explore the great outdoors. If you’re looking to start your next outdoor adventure on the water, exploring the diverse range offered by Old Town is an excellent place to begin. Sources and related content