Old Town

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the history of Old Town Canoe Company?

  Old Town started building wood-and-canvas canoes in 1898 in Old Town, Maine, and has evolved over more than a century into a maker of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. The brand is known for a legacy of craftsmanship and for adapting new materials and construction methods while maintaining a focus on stability, load capacity, and on-water performance.
• What materials and construction methods does Old Town use in its boats?

  Over the years Old Town has used traditional wood-and-canvas construction and Royalex in canoes, and today commonly uses rotomolded polyethylene for durable recreational boats and composite/Kevlar/carbon layups for lighter, performance-oriented models. Rotomolding provides impact resistance and low maintenance, while composite layups reduce weight and improve responsiveness for touring and whitewater applications. Routine design updates and hull-shape refinements help balance stability, tracking, and efficiency across the lineup.
• How do Old Town canoes differ from Old Town kayaks, and which should I choose?

  Canoes are typically wider and offer higher load capacity and easy tandem paddling—great for camping trips, family outings, and carrying gear—whereas kayaks are usually narrower and more maneuverable for solo paddling, day touring, or fishing. Choose a canoe if you prioritize cargo space, multiple paddlers, or a stable platform for standing; choose a kayak if you want speed, tracking, or a lower center of gravity for rougher water. Consider intended water type, number of paddlers, and whether you need features like fishing mounts or a sit-on-top hull when deciding.
• Which Old Town models are recommended for fishing, touring, or general recreation?

  For fishing, Old Town’s Topwater series (including Topwater PDL) is designed with angler-focused features like stable hulls, rod storage, and accessory mounting; for canoe touring, classic Penobscot canoes are popular for their blend of tracking and load capacity; Discovery kayaks are often recommended for recreational paddling and light touring. Match model features—deck storage, cockpit size, hull length, and stability—to your priorities: gear capacity for touring, stability and deck space for fishing, and a forgiving hull for general recreation.
• How should I care for and maintain my Old Town boat to extend its life?

  Rinse boats with fresh water after salt or dirty-water use, dry thoroughly, and store out of direct sunlight or under UV-protective covers to prevent material degradation. Support the hull properly during storage (e.g., cradles or wide racks), periodically check and tighten hardware, and follow the manufacturer’s specific care instructions for composite or polyethylene models to preserve performance and appearance.