Spent many hours fishing from a 17' Coleman Scanoe with square stern using a 30 lb thrust electric on the Allegheny and area lakes. Square stern being the key, allowing for accessories like one man loaders and dolly's which went by the wayside when we bought a trailer.
We never had an issue as far as "dumping" and that canoe would be loaded, leaving just enough room for two people, with everything but the kitchen sink when we went for three day excursions on the Allegheny. Like anything else, it pays to follow the rules and heed the safety warnings. Also, until you build the necessary stamina, it pays to take frequent breaks which helps to prevent that sudden urge to stretch by squirming around or standing in the canoe..... not good.
Electric motor is the cats meow for the plastic tubs as we learned, the plastic creates far more drag than the aluminium or fiberglass canoes. While that not may seem like "a big whoop", if ya gotta paddle one of them things into a headwind your gonna sleep well at bed time.
Being of plastic, there is a definite difference in the rigidness of the bottom of the tub but we overcame that by adding a piece of plywood which of course, increased the weight and must be removed (if not attached) before use of a dolly or one man loader.
Anyhow, now that I'm done "floating my boat" MountainMan, may I suggest (if not already done) you search the internet for reviews, on the canoe of your choice, including searching Youtube.
Good times and tight lines..... there's no place like good memories on the water.
post edited by BeenThereDoneThat. - 2018/06/05 12:53:44