Which Canoe?

[tarrington2484]

I posted a similar question in the Lounge a week or so ago before ths forum was up. I have been looking at canoes and have found quite a few diferent ones. which would be the better choice and why?
New Pelican expedition 166DLX $575
Used Old Town Guide 147 $300 (approx 3-4 years old)
Used Old Town Discovery 158 with new cane seats $500 (approx 10 years old)
Used Old Town Camper 16 $600 (approx. 7 years old)

The pelican looks good and has a lot of room but I was told that is a box store single layer canoe but the information book says it is a three layer polyethelyne and foam core.
The old towns are used but in good condition but some have the rotomolded seats which I am told are not the greatest.
I am starting to get lost in the choices out there. I am looking to use in the river and it may one day see a class II or III rapid. We have a place around here called balcony falls that everyone says is great. By the way my wife will be using this canoe with me or my dad or brother will be along for the trip. I also have a friend that wants to take an overnight trip in the canoes one day soon. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Sterling]

Did you look in Farmville? Appomatox River Outfitters or what ever it is.

[tarrington2484]

I haven't had a chance to get out there yet. They are about an hour from me and between work and honeydo I haven't had a chance to catch my breath... I did call them but they didn't have anything used as of right now and they said the Pelican was junk, but it isn't a brand they carry either. The new Old Town canoes start somewhere around $7-800.

[GregInAtl]

I just sold an Old Town 15'3" Discovery...it did ok w/ stability, I ended up putting four 50# bags of sand in the middle area of the floor and framed and decked over it. It made a HUGE difference in stability and slowed it almost none w/ one 46# Motorguide.

[aussiebasser]

I've got three Guide 147's and I can't fault them. Mine do a lot of rough work through gravel. Man I wish I could get another one for $300. We keep them for visitors so we can take them down our river near home. Plenty of people who've never been in a canoe have had no problems in the Guides. I haven't had a problem with the poly seats, although mine don't have backs on them like the new ones.