How we pick our products
Welcome to our big paddle boat test 2023. Here we present all the paddle boats we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information for you and also added a summary of customer reviews on the net. With this, we would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best paddle boat for you. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a paddle boat.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 The best Paddle Boat: Our Picks
- 3 Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a paddle boat
- 4 Decision: What types of paddle boats are there and which one is right for you?
- 5 Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate paddle boats
- 6 Interesting facts about paddle boats
- 7 Further literature: Sources, studies and interesting links
Summary
- A paddle boat, also called a canoe, allows you to go on water tours. Whether you are a sportsman, a family or a newcomer – a paddle boat is worthwhile for everyone.
- Basically, a distinction is made between single-seater and multi-seater paddle boats. In addition, there are (smaller) kayaks or (larger) canoes for water tours with the paddle.
- Most paddle boats have a maximum load of 100 kilograms for a single-seater. A boat for 5 people should have a maximum weight of 450 to 500 kilograms (depending on the manufacturer’s specifications).
The best Paddle Boat: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a paddle boat
What is a paddle boat?
A paddle boat describes a boat that can be moved with paddles in the direction of view. Another word for paddle boat is canoe.
Who is a paddle boat suitable for?
A canoe is basically suitable for everyone!
Beginners are well advised to choose a white-water canoe. First and foremost, you can do all kinds of tours with it. Families planning a Sunday outing with picnic and dog should choose a large paddle boat (Canadier). Sportsmen and ambitious people can have fun with a smaller boat(kayak) – whether in the sea or on the coast.
What does a paddle boat cost?
There are several manufacturers who make boats. In addition, there are many different designs, shapes and colours. Smaller paddle boats can also be purchased for a small boat. There is almost no limit upwards. Basically, inflatable boats (see above) are cheaper than kayaks or larger Canadians.
Decision: What types of paddle boats are there and which one is right for you?
If you want to buy a paddle boat, there are two alternatives to choose between:
| Canoe | umbrella term |
|---|---|
| Kayak | the all-rounder for hiking trips |
| Canadier | ideal for long tours at sea |
Both types of canoes have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on what you prefer and what trips you are planning, a different type is suitable for you. The following section will help you decide.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a kayak?
If you value speed, then a kayak is ideal for you. You can be sporty and even do a roll in the water and then keep going.
The kayak was the Eskimo’s means of transport. It is a closed boat with a recess for the seat. You can move this paddle boat forward with a double paddle.
What distinguishes a Canadier and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
The Canadier offers storage space for luggage. Basically, they are more stable on the water. You travel more slowly than in a kayak, but they are also calmer and safer.
The Canadier has its origins with the Indians and therefore originally comes from the North of America. The Indians used the stowage space in this paddle boat to move fish and meat. You can set this open boat in motion with a paddle.
Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate paddle boats
In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many possible paddle boats. The criteria you can use to compare the boats with each other include:
- Number of persons
- Type of material
- Safety
- Assembly
In the following paragraphs, we will explain what is important in the individual criteria.
Number of persons
Paddle boats are available as single-seaters and as multi-seaters. Boats for one person usually have a load capacity of 100 to 120 kilograms. Some boats that can carry an adult are also suitable for up to two children. Please pay attention to the load specification!
In principle, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never exceed the maximum load. For a two-seater, you can orientate yourself on a maximum load of 180 to 200 kilograms. For a multi-seater paddle boat for 5 people, for example, you should be within the range of 400 to 500 kilograms.
Type of material
There are basically two types of material for canoes:
| Material | Property |
|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | A robust, but also soft material |
| Plastic (GRP) | Light, hard, but also sensitive material |
The seats of paddle boats are often traditionally made of wood. However, modern seats are mostly made of aluminium. This is particularly light. This means that the boat can be moved with less effort.
Safety
Safety First – Your safety in the water should be a top priority!
When buying, you should look out for the manufacturer’s specifications: In addition to safe materials, the use should also be safe. There are more than 20 safety standards and environmental protection guidelines that should be observed. You should pay particular attention to these:
- Product tests for behaviour in relation to temperature
- Product tests for behaviour against humidity
- Environmental protection plan
- Quality certifications
Assembly
Most paddle boats can be inflated easily. You can also see how to inflate with a floor pump at the beginning of the video (below).
Interesting facts about paddle boats
Where can I take a paddle boat into the water?
This question does not only arise if you are the owner of a paddle boat. You can also rent a paddle boat in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
Regardless of whether you buy or rent a canoe, you should abide by the applicable laws.
How do I transport the canoe?
Most canoes are foldable and easy to transport. You should be able to transport your boat together with an air pump in the boot of your car. You can see what a “convertible” paddle boat looks like and what it is made of here: Interesting! For kayaks or canoes, there are also holders for the roof of the car. Alternatively, you can also transport your canoe on a trailer.
Further literature: Sources, studies and interesting links
[1] https://www.kanu.de/ [2] https://www.bfu.ch/sites/assets/Shop/bfu_2.069.01_bfu-Report%20Nr.%2065%20%E2%80%93%20Unf%C3%A4lle%20im%2C%20am%20und%20auf%20dem%20Wasser.pdf [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24903564 [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22965349 Image source: 123rf.com / famveldman
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