How to Buy an Outrigger Canoe
Outrigger canoes are the sleek, stable ocean canoes developed by the peoples of Southeast Asia to traverse the choppy seas between islands and ocean straits. An outrigger is fast and safe to use on any body of water.
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Instructions
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Consider how many people will board the canoe. Solo canoes are one-person designs that maximize speed over the water. Tandem canoes fit two people but increase the length of the vessel from 20 feet to more than 25 feet. 6-person canoes are available at around 40 feet, but are mostly used in racing.
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Buy a canoe with a high rocker, or relatively extreme curve at the bottom of the boat, if you plan on boating on rough seas and in high winds. The curve prevents the boat from tipping. You also can buy a boat with a low rocker, or relatively flat bottom, for a faster boat that you'll use on calmer lakes.
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Decide among wood, fiberglass and plastic builds for the hull. Wood outriggers give the boat a classic look but are difficult to maintain. Fiberglass boats are fast, relatively easy to maintain and can be raced, but they cost more. Plastic versions of the boat are easy to deal with and are relatively inexpensive, but they usually are slow.
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