Canoe mod advice plse.

[Bassn Blvd]

I need a 2nd boat for T/M lakes only.  My 10' jon is just too small for 2 6'2 adults and equipment.  I found this 16' canoe and seems to be suitable for my needs but have almost zero experience with canoes..  

QUESTION...

1. Can rod storage or decks be mounted?

2. Can seats be added?  Back rest types..

3. Can lights be added?

4. Does this seem like a good boat/deal?  

16 Foot Lightweight Aluminum Commercial Quality Canoe - - NO DENTS / LEAKS - made by Smoker Craft - have 2 seats but can easily be converted to 3-4 seats with ample room for 6'+ adults - unsinkable bulkheaded flotation at both ends - unbelievable 2000 lb capacity.....a 16 ft jon boat has a 800 lb capacity - very stable and u have to either be drunk or an idiot to tip .. can take Class III rapids no problem....

http://images.craigslist.org/0115080102080103052007120265dcd7f6ba81838d4b00bee1.jpg

     

[frogtog]

Does that unsinkable bulk headed flotation turn on a light? I have

bass fished out of canoes before and it's ok, but you have always got to counter react to which way your partner is going to move. As far as modifying

the canoe I don't know. I have always figured that the more stuff I have in one the more I have to get off the bottom of the lake. ;D I would probably invest my

money in a bigger jon boat. With a jon boat you can always add a motor if you need to later on.

[mayassa]

Maybe 6 adults if four of them where hunkered down in the middle.  I don't think you would be happy with this set up.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

10 of us can stand on a balance beam, would we be comfortable fishing?  I don't think so.  I agree with both replies above.  Look for a 12 or 14 ft Jon boat.

THIS is a 12

[Bassn Blvd]

Ok thanks.  Bad idea.  I'll continue my search for the jon.

[mayassa]

Look on craigslist.net in your area

[Lard_Bass]

Bassn,

The one advantage of a canoe is that you can load/unload it yourself most of the time. I debated a lot of times what to get (jon boat, canoe, kayak, port-a-bote, etc.). I ended up getting a canoe. Here are the mods that I made (Avid is very knowledgeable in this area and I got ideas from www.kayakfishingstuff.com).

1. Can rod storage or decks be mounted? - l

-Lockers no. But I have several rod holders along with a fish finder mounted to the bar that holds my stabilizers.

2. Can seats be added? Back rest types..

-Yes. I use seats that could be strapped to bleachers. They are about $20 each.

3. Can lights be added?

-Yes. I bought a light that attaches with a C-clamp  (Do a search on Cabelas for Portable LED Bow and Stern Navigation Lights)

The most important thing about canoes is stability. You can purchase some outriggers from Spring Creek(http://www.canoegear.com/catalog/home.php?cat=53) or Cabelas. I stand up in my canoe a lot now. I have dealt with some decent size wakes and never felt like I was going to tip. The stabilizers have really made the canoe stable. If you get a canoe, add the stabilizers and put the trolling motor battery closer to the front of the canoe (if you are alone to even out the trim/balance).

However, if you are looking to have 6 people on, don't get a canoe. A canoe is best with 2 people (3 at most).

[Travlin_Man]

Check out  Gheenoes. Many times more stable than a canoe  They are made in Florida.

[Tokyo Tony]

If you get a big enough canoe with a flat/flattish bottom, they're a lot more stable than you would think.  I have a 15' canoe and when my brother and I go out fishing we both stand up in it without a problem.  The only stability problem is back and forth - if someone sits down or stands up abruptly, the other person will have to brace himself.  Left to right is no problem at all though.

Not sure about the canoe you're looking at, but if possible, take it out for a spin.

I have been on a couple of canoes that are very unstable, so it really does make a difference.

Actually, when I lived in Miami, I had a 15' canoe (Coleman Skanoe) w/ 5 hp Nissan that we fished out of around Biscayne Bay area, even took it on camping trips in the Everglades.  It handled chop and wakes like a dream, and we could even get that baby up on plane  ;D