Wilderness-Tripping Canoes
Pro Pioneer 16; SOAR Inflatables; www.SOAR1.com; Length: 16'; Rocker: High; Beam: 48"; Weight 84 lbs; Price: $2,095
NYLON/HYPALON INFLATABLE
Pro Pioneer 16, SOAR
Here's another alternative a little out of the ordinary that addresses the canoe-transport issue-an inflatable canoe. These boats are canoes rather than kayaks because the floors are mounted below the side tubes, allowing sufficient depth for a kneeling position (and for hauling lots of gear). Either a single- or double-bladed paddle can be used.
SOAR, based in Healdsburg, California, builds four models of inflatable canoes in different sizes. The boat made available for our review was the Pro Pioneer 16, the workhorse of their fleet. A new model in 2004, the Pro Pioneer 16 was designed to handle large loads and/or very big water; one of the smaller models might be more appropriate for less than expeditionary uses.
The first thing that's noticeable on the water is that you need a longer paddle than in a traditional canoe. Not only are the tubes fairly wide, but the inflatable floor raises you up higher over the water. The second thing that's clear is that these boats are highly maneuverable-to the point that inflatable paddlers will probably want to avoid pure flatwater wherever possible. At the same time, that maneuverability and the extreme buoyancy make these fantastic whitewater boats, perfectly suited to self-support trips on rivers like the Salmon or in the Grand Canyon. Additionally, the Pro Pioneer has an amazingly shallow draft, making it ideally suited for transporting large loads in shallow water.
Being the workhorse model, our test boat was quite heavy (around 85 pounds); other inflatable SOAR canoes are considerably lighter.
Pros: Compact storage, great whitewater performance
Cons: Heavy, slow on flatwater
User: Whitewater river tripper who expects to get wet.
Want to jump to a specific canoe?
Ojibwe Longnose, Bark Canoe Store
Charles River, Old Town
Freedom 17, Mad River
Mackenzie 18-6, Clipper Canoes
Seliga, Bell Canoe Works
PakCanoe 16-5, Pak Boats
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