Q. Why would I choose a Nova over an Intrepid?

A. If general cruising on flat-water lakes and rivers is what you're most interested in.

A. If a sharp entry and exit at the bow & stern is more important than ends designed for more impact resistance.

A. If weight is going to be a factor.

Q. Why would I choose an Intrepid over a Nova?

A. If a better than average stability factor is wanted.

A. If you want to absolutely maximize your load carrying capacity.

A. If whitewater performance is desired over flat water.

Q. Why a 16 foot canoe?

A. The longer length at the waterline makes it a faster, easier paddling boat than anything shorter.

A. Because 16' is still a manageable weight to load and carry, but still have enough room for paddlers, gear and/or passengers. 16' canoes are, by far, our most popular length.

Q. Why a 17 foot canoe?

A. The 17' canoes offer more stability and more carrying capacity than shorter boats of similar hull design.

A. The above advantages along with the fact that 17' canoes usually are more efficient hull designs, make these longer boats excellent for extended trips and touring.

Q. Can I have a boat that is good for both tandem & solo?

A. Solo canoes are usually narrow enough for the paddle to easily reach over both gunwales. Canoes wide enough in the center to provide adequate stability for two paddlers are too wide for easy efficient solo paddling.

A. Sitting just to the rear of the center of a tandem canoe makes solo paddling easier. However, this arrangement is only a compromise. The best solution is to have two solo canoes or a solo and a tandem canoe.

A. Tandem canoes can be solo paddled by sitting in the front facing the rear of the boat. Due to the fact that the bow seat is closer to the center of the canoe, sitting in the bow seat backwards gets the weight closer to the center of the canoe. This still is not enough to totally level out the canoe for safe and stable paddling. You should load your gear or even take extra gear to get the canoe level in the water. This lets you utilize the whole length of the boat and makes the canoe more stable and easier to paddle

Q. Which canoe is for me, the solo 13 or 14?

A. The Solo 14, because of its greater length, is more stable, has greater carrying capacity and is a little faster than the solo 13. However, it is three to five pounds heavier than the Solo 13. Most paddlers prefer the Solo 14. Exceptions may be those paddlers that find the lighter weight of the Solo 13 is important or the paddler that is lightweight, less than 125 lbs.

Q. Should I go with the Solo 14 or the Odyssey?

A. The Odyssey is two inches longer, deeper and has more volume, especially in each end, than the Solo 14. This makes the Odyssey more stable and dryer in rough water. The Odyssey makes a lot better whitewater boat than the Solo 14 because of the higher volume ends, which cause it to lift over standing waves better. It is available in the heavy, more durable, Royalex construction which we recommend for whitewater use.

Q. What would be a good stable, lightweight recreational canoe for two?

A. At 54 lbs, 14 foot long and almost 38" wide, the Sport probably won't win any races, but it makes a very comfortable and stable fishing or sporting canoe.

Q. Can I have a center seat installed for passengers?

A. We do install center seats, but not for passengers, it is best to seat passengers on the floor of the canoe on a cushion. This will put their weight down low to act as a ballast and actually increase the stability of the canoe.

A. A center seat can be installed as an option for solo paddling, or you may sit in the bow seat backwards and paddle the canoe in reverse.

Q. Can I use a double bladed paddle in a canoe?

A. Yes, it is not conventional, but an efficient way to make good time in a solo canoe if you want to. Double bladed canoe paddles are longer than kayak paddles because you sit higher off the water in a canoe and canoes are usually wider. However, most solo paddlers prefer single bladed canoe paddles that are lighter weight and less clumsy than double bladed paddles.

Q. Can I go to the Mohawk factory in Fort Smith, AR or to Chattanooga, TN and buy a canoe?

A. Yes you can. If you are coming to the factory, please call a few days ahead so you can be sure we are open and that we have the colors and models of canoes you're interested in. Also, in some models we have good buys on factory seconds. Our business office is located in Chattanooga, TN. Keep in mind that although you will save the freight by picking up your canoe at the factory, you will have to pay 9.25% TN sales tax. Come to either Chattanooga, TN OR Fort Smith, AR and paddle the rivers, see abundant wildlife and take home a Mohawk Canoe.

Q. Do you sell factory seconds?

A. Yes we do, when available. All blemishes are cosmetic only. Very minor blemishes are sold mail order with typical discounts of $25.00 to $35.00. We offer larger discounts on canoes picked up at the factory.

Q. Should I purchase my canoe in R-84 or Royalex?

A. If weight is important or you're planning on using your canoe on flat-water or mild rivers, R-84 should be fine. But if whitewater or heavy abrasion is to be encountered, Royalex is recommended.  The Royalex canoes usually have a .010" substrate, making them slightly harder to dent.

Q. How will I receive my canoe?

A.  All canoes are shipped to the closest terminal in your area and picked up their, by the customer. You can call us here at Mohawk for a complete list of terminals in your area.

Q. How much to ship my canoe?

A.  Shipping charges typically range from $85.00 to $150.00, (but it can be more depending on your location). Follow this link for Estimated freight rate.

Q. Will a faded finish hurt my fiberglass canoe?

A. The fading is strictly cosmetic and should have no ill effects on your canoe. For information on repainting your canoe, follow this link to the section on Care and Repair.

Q.  How long should it take to receive my canoe after it is shipped?

A.  Depending on geographical location, anywhere from 2 to 5 business days.

Q.  I have an older Mohawk Canoe, how can I tell its age?

A. The last 2 digits of the serial number, located on the right rear of the canoe will be the model year.