FAQ

Are aluminum canoes heavier than other models?

While there are canoes out there that are lighter; there are no canoes that are stronger per weight than an aluminum canoe.  At less than 80 pounds for our 17 Standard model you will find that the weight is a misconception when compared to similar models in size and shape for nearly any type of material.

Where can I purchase an Osagian Canoe?

Osagian Canoes has dealers located throughout the country.  Check out our dealer locator page to find the nearest dealer to you.  Don't have a dealer near you, don't worry, you can also purchase your canoe right here on our website.

What are the hydrodynamic side-sponsons?

Our exclusive hydrodynamic side-sponsons are protrusions length ways down each side of the canoe.  They are formed in to the hull of the canoe and provide secondary stability for your canoe.  With this added stability you are able to be at ease as you float down the river or across the lake.  Hydrodynamic side-sponsons are available on the Osagian and are standard on the Lil' Missourian, Missourian, and Expedition model canoes.

What maintenance do I have to do with an aluminum canoe?

Maintenance on an Osagian Canoes is virtually non-existent.  Use in salt-water is the only time that you need to rinse your canoe off from the water after use.  This will ensure that the salt will not damage your canoe.  You can always shine up your canoe with some mineral oil and steel wool.  See our "Caring for Your Canoe" page for more information.

Aluminum v. other materials?

Aluminum offers strength, low cost, low maintenance, and durability that isn't matched by other materials.

Canoes v. Kayaks

This is the ongoing debate throughout the paddling world, which is better!?  The answer is quite simple - they both are!  WHAT!?  They both are better at what they are designed to do.  If Class V whitewater is your thing, probably don't want to try it in a canoe, but if a lake or a calmer river is your thing then a canoe would be your better pick.  If you take short trips where comfort and space isn't your concern a kayak would suffice, but if you want to take off on a 7 day tour of the Rio Grande you are going to need room for your gear.  If you like to fish, kayak fishing has exploded in recent years, but before purchasing consider if you want to take along your kids or a friend, as well as all your gear, can a kayak hold this?  A canoe especially our side-sponson models provide ample room for all your tackle, fishing poles, and whomever you'd like to bring along with you while also giving you enough stability to stand while fishing and move about the canoe.  Our canoes also have an all-welded keel which ensures you'll be tracking in winds and currents and won't be wasting your energy on trying to keep your vessel going in the direction you are wanting to travel.  As you can see there are many different times that both a canoe and a kayak are useful, we just hope that you will choose Osagian Canoe when you need a canoe!

What equipment do I need to canoe?

The most important piece of paddling equipment is a life jacket.  Osagian Canoes recommends that you ALWAYS wear a lifejacket when on water no matter what.  There are many different kinds of life jackets available.  You will want to find one that is reliable, fits correctly, and  is United States Coast Guard approved.  Another important piece of equipment is your paddle.  You can visit our trip check list for a more copmlete list of items you might want to have to canoe.